title: [What is sexual addiction?].
abstract: The term 'sexual addiction' applies to behavioral patterns which are characterized by a lack of control of a person's sexual impulses. The diagnostic classification of these behaviors is controversial. They are categorized as addiction, as compulsion or as impulse control disorder. Etiological hypotheses focus on intimacy dysfunctions in early childhood, which entail feelings of shame and inferiority. With respect to treatment, only some unsystematic reports from the USA are available. In German speaking countries, till today the problem is widely ignored in research and clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Psychosomatische Klinik, Universität Heidelberg.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Clement
mesh_terms: D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010262:Paraphilic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior
vernacular_title: Was ist sexuelle Sucht?