A comparative study of nonparaphilic sexual addictions and paraphilias in men.

BACKGROUND

A definition of nonparaphilic sexual addiction (NPSA) is offered and the literature suggesting comorbidity between NPSA and paraphilias (PAs) is reviewed. We describe a study to clarify the relationship between NPSA and PA.

METHOD: Thirty consecutive male respondents to an advertisement (PA: N = 15; NPSA: N = 15) were evaluated. The frequency of sexual behaviors, total sexual outlet, intensity of sexual desire, time spent in unconventional sexual behaviors, and a total sexual interest ratio were measured. Group differences were statistically examined using the Fisher's exact probability test (one-tailed). Concomitant psychological, social, work, financial, legal, and medical sequelae were ascertained.

RESULTS

The most prevalent lifetime sexual behaviors in both groups were NPSAs, especially compulsive masturbation, ego-dystonic promiscuity, and dependence on pornography. Mean total sexual outlet in both groups was approximately three times that of a comparable "normal" male sample. Components of total sexual outlet were reported in a nonnormative distribution pattern, and NPSA/PA sexual behaviors eclipsed conventional sexual activities in all measures. Group differences in measures of sexual behavior frequency, intensity, and time consumed by these behaviors were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The cormorbid presence of multiple NPSAs in 93% of the paraphilic men accompanied by comparable sexual and psychosocial sequelae suggests that NPSAs may represent a culturally adapted form of psychopathology that can also be manifested as PAs. A definition of hypersexual desire is offered, and a relationship between hypersexual desire and unconventional sexual outlet is suggested.