Screening Questions for Sexual Impulsivity

Sexual compulsivity and sexual addiction predominantly afflict men. Clinicians need to have a higher index of suspicion for sexual impulsivity in some patients. Here, screening questions to assist patients in opening up on this sensitive subject.

TIPSHEET: SCREENING FOR SEXUAL IMPULSIVITY

■ Have you ever felt your sexual behavior was compulsive, excessive, or that you were addicted to sex?

■Has your sexual behavior ever caused you persistent personal distress, medical problems (such as sexually transmitted disease or unwanted pregnancy), and/or legal difficulties?

■Has your sexual behavior been associated with the loss of a job or has it caused significant problems in an important romantic relationship?

■Have you ever engaged in repetitive sexual behaviors that you felt needed to be kept a secret (including affairs)?

■Have you ever thought of yourself as someone who was either blessed or cursed with a high sex drive?¹

For more on treatment, diagnosis, and comorbidities, see "Sexual Impulsivity Disorders: Psychiatric 'Orphans,'" by Martin P. Kafka, MD, from which this Tipsheet is adapted.

Reference:1. Kafka MP. Paraphilia-related disorders: the evaluation and treatment of nonparaphilic hypersexuality. In: Lieblum S, ed. Principles and Practice of Sex Therapy. 4th ed. New York: Guilford Press; 2006:442-476.