How to Know If I'm a Nymphomaniac

Although the causes of nymphomania are not entirely clear, experts have pointed out that hyper sexuality or sex addiction may be motivated by different factors and that a few of these factors coinciding could be responsible for this condition.

Among the factors that could clarify something about the origins of compulsive sexual behaviour, there are the following:

• Changes in biochemical substances in the brain: some studies have suggested that lesions in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex or high levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine could increase the probability of this disorder occurring.
• If a person suffers from diseases and mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, manic-depressive psychosis and borderline personality disorders, among others, these can also lead to nymphomania. In these circumstances, those affected do not usually take responsibility for their sexual acts.
• In most cases, it is related to factors of a psychological nature such as seeking affection and love through sex. This is sometimes a consequence of social failure, problems from a dysfunctional family, traumatic past experiences such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse during childhood.
• There are some physical illnesses or dysfunctions that may cause excessive sexual desire, as may be the case with brain injuries, some tumours, certain types of epilepsy, etc.
• It also noted that the use of certain medications can provoke a hyper sexuality disorder as one of their side effects. On the other hand, it can also be aggravated by drug and narcotics use.

It is important to not confuse nymphomania with a high sexual appetite. Nymphomania is a very complex disorder where the person is unable to control their strong and insatiable sexual desire which overcomes them and also creates a great dependence on sexual activities.

The following explains some symptoms or signs which can show a person is suffering from nymphomania. These are presented in different ways and vary in severity in each patient. Plus, they usually tend to increase over time, which is why it is so important to receive proper treatment as soon as possible.

• Constantly thinking about sex and greater participation in sexual activity, which gradually increases. This increase happens because sex is never sufficient to meet the strong sexual desire they have. If they end up depriving themselves, feelings of emptiness and fear are usually experienced.
• Intense sexual urges and uncontrollable sexual behaviour. Although in many cases, they may try to limit their sexual practices, this fails because their sexual desire and craving is much stronger.
• Inability to suppress this sexual behaviour.
• Changes or major mood alterations which can shift from depression to euphoria very quickly.
• Long term dedication to satisfying that uncontrollable sexual desire and seeking new intimate relationships.
• Often, they do not enjoy sexual activity or don't view it as pleasurable, but rather that the satisfaction experienced at the time of sexual activity is insufficient and is only achieved for a moment.
• Difficulties in establishing and maintaining an emotional and affective relationship with another person.
• Their sexual behaviour ends up affecting the other areas of their life and can present problems in social, family and work relationships.
• Despite the possible consequences of risky sexual practices, such as contracting an infection, they continue with their compulsive sexual behaviour.

Besides the above, it can be said that this hyper sexuality is closely associated with paraphilia's such as voyeurism and the suffering of other addictions or disorders, such as alcoholism, gambling addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, depression, etc.

Therefore, it is best they receive a completely personalised treatment which is adapted to the patterns presented by each patient. This is important for preventing sex addiction from continuing to develop further and severely affecting the person's mental and physical health and social life.

When a person displays symptoms or behaviour patterns as above, they must seek specialised medical help immediately. This is very important when they realise that they have lost control of their behaviour or sexual impulses, if it starts to negatively affect their personal, social or work relationships, if they can't stop thinking about sex even when striving not to do so, or if they are trying to hide their sexual behaviour.

They should urgently consult a professional if they also suffer from another type of disorder or suffer from mental illness, or if they begin to have suicidal thoughts.

Treatment for nymphomania or sex addiction is based on helping the patient to control their compulsive sexual behaviour and therefore achieve better intimate and personal relationships. A cognitive-behavioural psychological therapy should be carried out where the problem is evaluated first, a program of sex education is established, then management of emotions and prevention techniques are devised which are designed to control violent and insatiable sexual desire.

Such treatment is determined based on the characteristics of each patient, i.e. by taking into account their medical and personal history, their development and the factors that may have triggered hyper sexuality. In some cases, the specialist may prescribe the administration of psychotropic drugs and a parallel treatment if there are other disorders or mental disorders. The ultimate goal is to ensure the person will be able to build a healthy relationship with themselves, their sexuality and others.

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