title: Clinical relevance of the proposed sexual addiction diagnostic criteria: relation to the Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised.
abstract: The present article examines and compares the various diagnostic rubrics proposed to codify symptoms of sexual addiction, and then briefly summarizes the ongoing controversy on whether sexual addiction is a valid construct. Using the diagnostic criteria proposed by , the prevalence rate of each criterion is examined in terms of scores on the Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised scales (). Differences in diagnostic criteria endorsement associated with sex, sexual orientation, and setting were also explored. Results from a clinical sample of men and women seeking treatment for sexual addiction demonstrated clinical relevance of the criteria, in that all but 3 criteria are endorsed at more than 50% of participants screening positive for sexual addiction on the Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised. Sex differences were also noted for endorsement rates of several of the criteria. Finally, several proposed criteria may pose a higher clinical threshold and thus be utilized by clinicians to identify patients with increased pathology. Results are discussed in the context of existing diagnostic frameworks across etiological perspectives.
authors.affiliation: From the American Foundation for Addiction Research (PJC), Carefree, AZ; University of Southern Mississippi (TAH), Hattiesburg, MS; and Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services (BAG), Hattiesburg, MS.
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Carnes
authors.forename: Tiffany A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Hopkins
authors.forename: Bradley A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Green
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*