WHO Recognizes "Compulsive Sexual Behavior" as a Mental Disorder

The term "sexual dependence" has been used for decades, but experts do not agree if it exists.

In the latest update of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) in the world, the WHO takes a step towards legitimizing the concept, recognizing the "compulsive sexual behavior disorder," or CSBD, as a mental disorder. 19659004] But the UN agency does not agree to report it to addictive behaviors such as drug addiction or gambling, and points out that further investigations are needed before consider disorder as an addiction

. moderate, we do not consider that the question … is equivalent to what happens with alcohol or heroin, "said expert Geoffrey Reed of the WHO at the AFP Saturday

In the update of the CIE, published last month, the WHO reported that the CSBD is "characterized by a failure of intense control, due to repetitive sexual impulses or urgent need … which causes stress. "

But this indicates that the scientific debate remains on whether" the disorder of sexual compulsive behavior is a manifestation of addictive behavior ".

There is no excuse for the violation

Reed said that it is important that the CIE, used around the world as a point of reference to diagnose diseases by insurers, understands a short definition of sexual compulsive disorder "There are people who do not control the ur sexual behavior and who suffer from it, "he added, adding that their behavior caused them" a lot of problems ".

"It's a type of population that has a legitimate problem of health and access to legitimate treatment," he says.

It is not yet known how many people suffer from this disorder, but Reed said that inclusion in the ICE will lead to further research on the problem and its prevalence. to determine the best treatments.

But even though the characterization of the disorder is not granted, Reed says that it will give "security", since some They will realize that they have "a real problem" and may request a treatment.

Reed said that he did not believe that there is reason to fear that the inclusion of CSBD in the list of disorders is used by people like Harvey Weinstein to exonerate criminal behavior

"This does not excuse sexual abuse or rape … in the same way that being an alcoholic does not excuse driving a car in bad condition." Drunk, "he added.

The document, which is to be approved by member countries at the General Assembly in Geneva next May, will take effect on January 1, 2022, when it is adopted.

AFP