Alarmed by the upsurge in crimes bordering on rape across the globe, the World Health Organisation has recognised “compulsive sexual behaviour” as a mental disorder; they’re however not quite sure if to label it as an addiction on the same pedestal as drug abuse just yet.
“Sex addiction” as a term has been in use for a long time by people who claim not to be able to control their sexual urges; however, experts disagree over whether the condition exists at all.
In the latest update of its catalogue of diseases and injuries around the world, the WHO has made moves towards legitimising the concept, by acknowledging “compulsive sexual behaviour disorder” (CSBD), as a mental illness.
The United Nations health body however stopped short of listing the condition along with addictive behaviours like substance abuse or gambling. Researchers insist that more studies need to be carried out before it can be clear if the disorder can also be called an addiction.
According to WHO expert Geoffrey Reed;
“Conservatively speaking, we don’t feel that the evidence is there yet… that the process is equivalent to the process with alcohol or heroin,”
The WHO has described the condition as “characterised by persistent failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges… that cause marked distress or impairment” in its update of International Classification of Diseases (ICD), published last month. It however said scientific debate was still ongoing as to “whether or not the compulsive sexual behaviour disorder constitutes the manifestation of a behavioural addiction”.
The UN Health body said it was important that the ICD register, which is widely used as a benchmark for diagnosis and health insurers, includes a concise definition of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder to ensure those affected can get help; “they need to know that their sexual behaviour sometimes has very severe consequences” the health body said.
“There is a population of people who feel out of control with regards to their own sexual behaviour and who suffer because of that. This is a genuine clinical population of people who have a legitimate health condition and who can be provided services in a legitimate way,”
Although it remains unclear how many people suffer from this disorder, it is believed that the ICD listing would prompt more research into the condition, its prevalence, as well as ways to determine the most effective treatments.
Claims of “sex addiction” have increasingly been in the headlines in step with the #MeToo movement, which has seen people around the world coming forward with allegations of rape and sexual harassment.
The uprising has led to the downfall of powerful men across industries, including disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, who has reportedly spent months in treatment for sex addiction as well as Bill Cosby recently convicted of rape.
The WHO however said the condition is not an excuse sexual abuse or rape and could not be used to escape a conviction for rapists.
“It doesn’t excuse sexual abuse or raping someone … any more than being an alcoholic excuses you from driving a car when you are drunk. You have still made a decision to act.”