Disclaimer: This quiz is based on the ICD-11 criteria for compulsive sexual behavior.
Sex addiction is not a diagnosis but rather a pop-culture term used to describe someone who experiences compulsive sexual behavior that may go beyond desire and pleasure.
Compulsive sexual behavior, aka hypersexuality, refers to a pattern of intense and repetitive sexual urges, desires, and fantasies that may interfere with your relationships and make daily functioning challenging.
These urges and sexual desires are often intrusive and hard to control. You may focus so much on them that they begin to take priority over other aspects of your daily life such as work or school.
And no matter the challenges you may face because of these urges, you may feel like you can’t stop them.
The exact cause of these uncontrollable urges and behaviors isn’t known, but several factors may contribute to them, including coexisting mental health conditions or childhood experiences.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) doesn’t recognize sexual addiction as a condition, so diagnosing what you’re experiencing may be challenging.
The International Classification of Diseases, 11th edition (ICD-11), on the other hand, does include compulsive sexual behavior disorder as a diagnosis under impulse-control conditions. While mental health professionals don’t commonly consult the ICD-11 for specific diagnostic criteria, it may be used as a guide in this case.
According to the ICD-11, signs of compulsive sexual behavior could include:
- preoccupation with sexual fantasies, behaviors, and impulses
- participating in sexual activities to satisfy sexual impulses and fantasies
- not able to stop or decrease sexual behaviors, fantasies, and impulses
- experiencing challenges in relationships or other areas of life as a result of compulsive sexual impulses and behaviors
If you’re experiencing compulsive sexual behaviors or want more information, consider speaking with a healthcare or mental health professional. They can offer more insight into what you’re experiencing and recommend the next steps — whether that’s treatment or strategies to help you cope.
Feeling ashamed, embarrassed, or guilty about your sexual behaviors isn’t uncommon. But you’re not alone, and there are resources available to you either online, in person, or over the phone. Sexaholics Anonymous (SA) or Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) are common programs you can try that offer support.
This short, free sexual addiction test is meant for anyone who thinks they may benefit from an evaluation for compulsive sexual behavior disorder or hypersexuality.
The statements in this quiz can help you figure out whether you might need the support of a mental health professional for the symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
A therapist can also help you determine if your issues may be a symptom of a different mental health condition and recommend a treatment plan if necessary.
This online screening tool is based on the symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior listed in the ICD-11. But it’s not intended to be a diagnostic tool. It will not guarantee that you may be diagnosed with compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) or hypersexuality.
Only a licensed mental health professional or trained medical doctor can give you a diagnosis and help you figure out the next best steps for you.
If you think a partner, friend, or family member may be living with CSBD or hypersexuality, you can take this quiz on behalf of them as well.
Keep in mind that the results may not be as accurate because they’re based on your perception of them and not their direct personal experience.