Gender-related differences in the associations between sexual impulsivity and psychiatric disorders

Abstract

Objective Sexual impulsivity (SI) has been associated with conditions that have substantial public health costs, such as sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. However, SI has not been examined systematically with respect to its relationships to psychopathology. We aimed to investigate associations between SI and psychopathology, including gender-related differences. Method We performed a secondary data analysis of Wave-2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a national sample of 34,653 adults in the United States. DSM-IV-based diagnoses of mood, anxiety, drug and personality disorders were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Scheduled DSM-IV Version. Results The prevalence of SI was considerable (14.7%), with greater acknowledgment by men than women (18.9% versus 10.9%; p<0.0001). For both women and men, SI was positively associated with most Axis-I and Axis-II psychiatric disorders (OR range: Women, Axis-I:1.89-6.14, Axis-II:2.10-10.02; Men, Axis-I:1.92-6.21, Axis-II:1.63-6.05). Significant gender-related differences were observed. Among women as compared to men, SI was more strongly associated with social phobia, alcohol abuse/dependence, and paranoid, schizotypal, antisocial, borderline, narcissistic, avoidant and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. Conclusion The robust associations between SI and psychopathology across genders suggest the need for screening and interventions related to SI for individuals with psychiatric concerns. The stronger associations between SI and psychopathology among women as compared to men emphasize the importance of a gender-oriented perspective in targeting SI. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the extent to SI predates, postdates or co-occurs with specific psychiatric conditions.

Should compulsive sexual behavior be considered an addiction?

“…Sexual impulsivity is associated with multiple psychiatric disorders across sexes and particularly for women. Among women as compared to men, sexual impulsivity was more strongly associated with social phobia, alcohol-use disorder, and paranoid, schizotypal, antisocial, borderline, narcissistic, avoidant and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders (23). …”

“…Among US male military combat veterans, prevalence was estimated to be closer to 17% [22]. Using data from the US National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), the life-time prevalence rates of sexual impulsivity, a possible dimension of CSB, was found to be higher for men (18.9%) than women (10.9%) [23]. Although important, we emphasize that similar gaps in knowledge did not prevent the introduction of pathological gambling into DSM-III in 1980 or the inclusion of Internet gaming disorder into Section 3 of DSM-5 (see wide prevalence estimates ranging from approximately 1 to 50%, depending on how problematic Internet use is defined and thresholded [6]).…”

Are Borderline Personality Symptoms Associated With Compulsive Sexual Behaviors Among Women in Treatment for Substance Use Disorders? An Exploratory Study

“…Research has established high comorbidity between compulsive sexual behaviors and substance use disorders (Cooper et al., ; McKeague, ; Schneider, 1991) and substance use disorders and borderline symptoms (Lee, Bagge, Schumacher, & Coffey, ; Trull et al., ). Furthermore, existing literature has discussed a theoretical relationship between borderline symptoms and compulsive sexual behaviors (Rickards & Laser, 1998; Erex, Pilver, & Potenza, ). However, to date, no research has examined the relationship between borderline symptoms and compulsive sexual behaviors among a substance use disorder population.…”

“…However, limited research has directly examined the relationship between borderline symptoms and compulsive sexual behaviors. In one study, Erez et al (2014) examined gender differences in the relationship between compulsive sexual behaviors and psychiatric disorders. Results demonstrated a significant relationship between compulsive sexual behaviors and borderline symptoms, with results indicating that this relationship was more significant for women compared to men.…”

Hypersexuality: Terms, Diagnostic Approaches, Conceptualization, Prevalence

“…распространенность такого поведения в сША среди мужчин-ветеранов боевых действий приближается к 17% [68]. В сША национальным эпидемиологическим исследованием по алкоголю и связанным с ним состояниям (National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions; NESARC) было установлено, что частота сексуальной импульсивности выше у мужчин (18,9%), чем у женщин (10,9%) [34]. сообщается о результатах исследований, где показана зависимость между ксП и расовой принадлежностью, а также социально-экономическим статусом [47].…”