What Exactly Is Hypersexuality?

Hypersexuality can exist as a sign of bipolar disorder or on its own. Also referred to as compulsive sexual behavior or sexual addiction, hypersexuality is described as a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that are difficult to control. (1) This compulsive behavior can cause distress and can negatively affect a person’s job, health, relationships, and other aspects of life.

Hypersexual disorder is a controversial diagnosis, however, partly because there is no formal definition for hypersexuality. (2)

It’s not unusual for people to experience a heightened sense of sexuality during a manic episode. And while an increased interest in sexuality on its own does not present a problem, when the heightened sense of sexuality is paired with the symptoms of bipolar mania — such as impulsivity, risk-taking, and poor judgment — the behavior can be destructive to many aspects of day-to-day life.

Just as there is no single cause for bipolar disorder, there is no clear-cut cause for the symptom of hypersexuality. But it’s thought that chemical imbalances in the brain may be contributing factors for both. (3)

Experts aren't sure why some people with bipolar disorder experience symptoms of hypersexuality and others do not.

"In general, hypersexuality is a symptom of hypomania or mania — it goes with that particular mood episode," says Adele C. Viguera, MD, a psychiatrist and the associate director of the perinatal and reproductive psychiatry program at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

Mania is one of the two main episodes that someone with bipolar disorder may experience, while hypomania is a milder form of mania. "Hypersexuality can be one of the characteristic symptoms of both," says Dr. Viguera. Other symptoms include:

Excessive spending

Not sleeping

Trouble concentrating

Speaking quickly and in a scattered manner

Bipolar Disorder and an Increased Focus on Sex

While there isn't a clear-cut definition or criteria for being hypersexual, for a person with bipolar disorder, it means being more focused on sex and risky sexual behaviors than the person normally is. What's significant is the change or difference from the normal behavior.

People with bipolar disorder who are experiencing hypersexuality may: