Not recognized as a medical condition till now, in a landmark inclusion, the World Health Organization has officially classified compulsive sexual behaviour as a mental illness.
Sexual compulsivity is now a part of the International Classification of Diseases list (ICD)-11 list. This has marked a turning point in the lives of those who are suffering from it and want to seek treatment.
According to the WHO, sexual compulsivity is “persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in a repetitive sexual behaviour.”
One interesting fact about how sex addiction is defined by the WHO is that it is not measured in terms of one’s sexual partners or how much sex he has.
Instead, it is related with affecting one’s life “to the point of neglecting health and personal care or other interests, activities and responsibilities.”
To be diagnosed with sex compulsivity, one must show the above symptoms for at least six months. The negligence of responsibilities during sex addiction can also affect one’s work, study, family and friends.
However, NHS does not yet recognize sex addiction as a mental illness, but things may change after its inclusion in ICD-11 by the WHO. The organization had also recently added gaming addiction to the same list as that of sex compulsion.
Why is this important?
Experts all over the globe have welcomed the decision because this will facilitate research and treatment options for those suffering from it. Right now, only few services exist but things must change now as the disorder has been officially recognized.
Besides, it will also help in de-stigmatizing the disorder as many people who suffer from it find it hard to accept it socially.
