People with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience hypersexuality, particularly during manic episodes. This can present challenges with sexual satisfaction and relationships. Additionally, it is linked to increased sexual risk-taking and associated consequences.
In this article, we will discuss what hypersexuality is, the four signs, how doctors address it, and tips for navigating relationships with hypersexuality.
What Is Bipolar Hypersexuality?
Bipolar hypersexuality is an extreme focus on sex, sexual thoughts, or sexual activity that can be part of bipolar disorder, generally experienced during manic episodes. Hypersexuality can lead to feelings of distress, and can negatively impact relationships and other areas of life such as school and work.
People struggling with hypersexuality may be out of control or unaware of a problem in the moment, and then feel intense regret after the fact. However, the experience is not the same for everyone.
In the Moment
In the moment, hypersexuality may present as a strong and frequent urge to engage in sexual activity, masturbate, or view pornography. Potential consequences are not the primary concern as the focus is on satisfying the urge, and some people describe their experiences as being addicted to or obsessed with sex. Because of this, the person is more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex with a stranger or viewing pornography at work.
After the Fact
After the fact, a person who has acted on urges associated with bipolar hypersexuality may feel intense shame or regret. This could be due to the frequency or the feeling of not being able to control the urges. Additionally, it could be due to remorse related to inappropriate behavior. They do not want to continue experiencing and acting on the urges and seek ways to control themselves in the future.
Mental Health and Sex in Bipolar Disorder
In bipolar disorder (BD), sex drive and satisfaction can change depending on the phase. For example, sex drive and satisfaction may be very different during a manic episode in comparison with a depressive episode. More specifically, high sex drive is a sign of the manic phase of bipolar disorder.
Hypersexuality
Hypersexuality is an extreme desire for sexual activity or extreme sexual activity frequency. This is a symptom of mania. This can increase during manic episodes, along with general energy and activity levels.
Hyposexuality
Hyposexuality is when sexual behavior and desire for sexual activity is excessively low. This is more common during depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. Additionally, depressive phases of bipolar disorder are associated with an increase in sexual distress.
Continued sexual risk-taking despite negative effectsDifficulty with relationships, including commitment and fidelityExcessive thoughts about sexInability to control sexual thoughts or behaviorsIntense sexual fantasies that feel out of controlStrong drive for sexual behaviors along with relief and then guilt after the factUse of sexual thoughts or behaviors to avoid feeling emotions
4 Signs of Hypersexuality in BD
Hypersexuality is more than just a high sex drive. Additionally, hypersexuality associated with bipolar disorder is different from hypersexuality among people who do not have bipolar disorder. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Decreased desire for sexual activityExtremely low self-confidence in appearance or desirabilityFeelings of sexual vulnerability or worthlessnessNo interest at all in sexNo interest in grooming or personal hygieneNo response when exposed to sexual content such as a book or moviePhysical or mental exhaustion
1. Taking Risks
People who struggle with hypersexuality often have a pattern of taking risks with their sexual behaviors. This may include having sex without protection, with many partners, engaging in sexual behaviors at work or in public places, and compromising relationships with infidelity. The risks associated with the behaviors are often not considered, or they may seem insignificant, until after the fact.
2. Feeling Regret or Shame After
In bipolar hypersexuality, there are often feelings of shame or regret after engaging in sexual behaviors. For example, there may be an intense urge or extreme desire to engage in a risky sexual behavior. They may feel relief immediately after engaging in the behavior, and then intense feelings of regret or shame as they process their actions.
3. Continuing Unwanted Behaviors
Despite the consequences of sexual behaviors, people with hypersexuality often struggle to stop repeating the unwanted behaviors. The negative effects of sexual behaviors may include sexually transmitted disease (STD), job loss or compromised job or school performance, financial issues, legal issues, and relationship challenges, among others. People with bipolar hypersexuality often feel out of control and struggle to resist their extreme sexual urges.
4. Changes With Manic and Depressive Episodes
The changes in sexual thoughts and behaviors experienced by people with bipolar hypersexuality set this condition apart from hypersexuality among people without bipolar disorder. Their sex drive and sexual behaviors tend to fluctuate. Hypersexuality is generally associated with episodes of mania. Conversely, sexual desire and behavior tend to be lower, possibly even to the point of hyposexuality, during episodes of depression.
How Do Doctors Address Hypersexuality?
Bipolar hypersexuality can be addressed by treating bipolar disorder. Since hypersexuality is a symptom of bipolar disorder, particularly manic episodes, treating bipolar disorder as a whole addresses the hypersexuality. The presence of hypersexuality can also help to guide bipolar treatment adjustments. For example, adding a mood stabilizer to the protocol may be beneficial.
Inconsistent Definitions
There can be some confusion in diagnosing hypersexuality with bipolar. It is a symptom of mania and is listed as one of the bipolar diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Additionally, hypersexuality can be diagnosed among people without mood disorders.
Possible Stigma
Especially given the differing definitions of hypersexuality and limited understanding of how it relates to other medical conditions, there can be a stigma. There are often feelings of guilt and shame that come with experiencing hypersexuality and associated behaviors. This can lead to hesitancy in seeking help, along with fear of how a provider may respond. Stigma may be an issue with a provider who does not fully understand the nature of hypersexuality and how it can present as a loss of control for the patient.
Therapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can be used as part of a treatment plan for bipolar disorder and hypersexuality associated with bipolar disorder. This may include specific techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy for the individual, couples therapy to work on relationship challenges, or a combination of therapy options.
Medications
Medications are often used in combination with talk therapy to create an effective treatment plan for bipolar disorder. These medications may include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. These medications can help to treat and prevent bipolar episodes, including manic episodes associated with hypersexuality.
Relationship Concerns
Both bipolar disorder and associated hypersexuality can include relationship concerns. With hypersexuality, partner relationships tend to be the most impacted. This is, in part, related to the link between hypersexuality and sexual risk-taking and infidelity.
It can be a significant challenge for people with bipolar hypersexuality to manage their symptoms and the effects of those symptoms on those around them. With treatment, however, it is possible to have healthy relationships.
Summary
Bipolar hypersexuality is excessive sexual thoughts or behaviors, which can be linked to bipolar manic episodes. It often presents as a seemingly uncontrollable urge, followed by relief, and then guilt or shame later. There are often negative effects associated with sexual risk-taking, such as sexually transmitted infections, relationship challenges, and issues with work or school. It can be treated and effectively managed with therapy and medications.
A Word From Verywell
Coping with bipolar disorder can be hard, and bipolar hypersexuality adds another layer to the challenge. Especially if you suspect bipolar disorder but it has not yet been diagnosed and treatment has not begun, you may not be able to recognize hypersexuality behavior in the moment. That doesn’t mean it won’t weigh on you after the fact.
Although bipolar hypersexuality is not fully understood, help is still available to manage and cope with bipolar disorder and hypersexuality symptoms. Reach out to a healthcare professional for support, such as a primary care practitioner, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
