The term “nymphomania” is used quite often in popular culture. It alludes to women who manifest excessive sexual desire, mainly of an uncontrollable nature. Currently, it is not used in the clinical setting, where the term hypersexuality disorder or compulsive sexual behavior predominates. Today we show you the signs that you are a nymphomaniac and what you can do about it.
As the APA Dictionary points out, nymphomania almost always reflects negative cultural attitudes toward female sexuality. Throughout this article, we use it because it is the most deeply rooted term in society, but we stay away from derogatory or recriminatory associations. Before indicating the signs, we must inquire a little about the time.
Contents
What is nymphomania?
As a study reported in the Journal of International Women’s Studies points out, the word nymphomania became popular in 19th-century Victorian England. At that time, society thought women with insatiable sexual desires were criminals, and their behavior was morally reprehensible.
For their part, doctors considered nymphomania a medical condition. Still, she wasn’t studied, so the attributions were more popular than clinical. During the 20th century, there were several explorations of its causes, symptoms, and treatment, and little by little; it fell out of use to be replaced by hypersexuality disorder or compulsive sexual behavior.
Although it was proposed for inclusion in the international diagnostic manual at the time, it is not recognized as such in the DSM-V. It is in the current edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a compulsive sexual behavior disorder. Its prevalence is estimated to be between 3 and 6% of the world population.
Five signs that a person is a nymphomaniac or hypersexual
As already indicated, the term nymphomania has varied dramatically throughout history. It has also done so, then, the symptoms or characteristics attributed to it. We have already pointed out at the beginning that we leave negative associations aside so that we focus only on the objective aspects related to what is known today about compulsive sexual desires.
The most characteristic symptom of nymphomania revolves around ideas, impulses, and actions of a sexual nature that manifest themselves repetitively. Indeed, sexual desire is not occasional; it is a behavior that develops with recurrence to the point that it covers all or almost all aspects and moments of life.
As reviewed in work published in BJPsych Advances in 2022, if the increase in sexual drive interferes with other non-sexual objectives of the subject’s life (work, family relationships, and so on), then it can be said that it is sexual behavior. That strays from the conventional. At the time, the disruptive increase in desire was considered the centerpiece of the disorder.
Depending on individual characteristics, thoughts and impulses can materialize in many ways, for example, through masturbation and pornography or with other people. Time consumed by fantasies, urges, or sexual behavior interferes with your goals or obligations.
2. Problems stopping or slowing the urges
Impulses are characterized by being executed without deliberation. Therefore, they are tough to control, if not impossible. Problems coping with ideas and behaviors related to sex, desire, and pleasure are related to one more characteristic: unsuccessful attempts to change or control the episodes.
As it could not be otherwise, and as a study published in the Journal of behavioral addictions points out, this inability to cope with impulses translates into a deterioration in the person’s well-being. Also, she develops with her circle interpersonal relationships (work, family, friendship, and others).
3. Emotional instability
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine warns that, on average, an estimated 72-90% of people with impulsive sexual behaviors develop comorbidity with mood disorders. Anxiety and depression are the most common, but feelings of shame, remorse, and guilt are common.
It has also been reported that people express frustration, worry, stress, and low self-esteem. Interestingly enough, sexual behavior or drive pursuit is used to cope with these feelings. This is even though, after executing them, the feelings return or worsen.
4. Problems starting or maintaining a relationship
We have already indicated that the signs of nymphomania materialize in many ways. A study reported in Sexual and Relationship Therapy found that people with hypersexuality channel their impulses through compulsive masturbation (56%), the use of pornography (51%), and extramarital sex (21%). All this, of course, has a negative impact when starting or maintaining a relationship.
Since people cannot control their impulses, they engage in these repetitive practices regardless of the commitment or desire to have a stable partner. Often, they can lie or cover up their actions, partly because of the shame they show about it; partly because of the desire that others do not abandon them because of their behavior.
5. Seek new sensations above all else
How could it be otherwise? Nymphomania and hypersexual behavior are associated with high-risk behaviors? For example, wanting to materialize the impulse with other people can increase the risk of contracting an infection or sexually transmitted disease. Many also develop substance use disorders, and the relationship is bidirectional between these disorders.
It is important to note that not everyone with nymphomania develops paraphilia. Even so, many of them do. For example, they are inclined towards voyeurism, exhibitionism, sadism, or fetishism. Again, a nymphomaniac person does not have paraphilia; some assume a particular inclination over time.
What to do in the case of presenting these signs?
Nymphomania or hypersexuality has always existed, although the way of approaching it has varied according to the development and culture of each society. Keep in mind that it implies an increase in sexual activity that is associated with distress and functional impairment. Although it is not classified as a diagnosis, psychological therapy can significantly help.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and couples or family therapy are often the starting point. Intervention is necessary if the person suffers from anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder. In specific contexts, the use of medication may be considered.
Identifying the signs that you are a nymphomaniac is the first step. If the behavior is disruptive and interfering with the daily dynamics, it is time to seek help. Recognizing that you have a problem is essential to find a solution.