Sexual Anorexia
Anorexia. That is a term most of us are familiar with. It is
an eating disorder that causes those who suffer from it to severely restrict
the amount of food they consume to either lose weight or prevent weight gain.
These individuals usually have an underlying psychological factor contributing
to their behavior.
Now…let’s apply that to sex.
Sexual anorexia is defined as: a pathological loss of “appetite”
for romantic-sexual interaction. Sex and sex-related matters cause high levels
of anxiety and life functioning is altered. In the DSM IV, sexual anorexia is
listed under Sexual Aversion Disorder and is described as “an aversion and
avoidance of all genital contact with a sexual partner”.
Certain criteria must
be met for this label to be applied:
A pattern of resisting sexual activity, behavior, or
initiative, must be recurring
Aversion to sexual contact with the consequences of damaging
intimate relationships
Attempt to avoid sexual contact through extreme methods such
as self-mutilation or changing body appearance
Negative attitudes and reactions towards the sexuality of
others as well as self
Feeling shame about the body and previous sexual experiences
Quality of life worsens
Obsession with avoiding sexual contact and intimate
relationships that could potentially lea d to sexual contact
Distress, anxiety, depression, or restlessness due to the
possibility of sexual contact
Generally, the psyche comes into play as these individuals
have negative body perceptions and images about themselves. Some individuals
are able to have sex outside of the context of a committed relationship, most
are not. A study conducted by Patrick J. Carnes found a correlation between
sexual anorexia and other compulsive or addictive problems, as well as a
history of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
A link has also been discovered between sex addicts and
sexual anorexia. Of course we are still unable to agree on what exactly
constitutes too much sex, but sex addicts engage in risky sex outside of
committed relationships. They can go through periods of excessive sexual
activity followed by periods of no sexual activity. What makes them be able to
possibly fall under the category of sexual anorexia, is the fact that they are
avoiding the intimacy component of a relationship.
Sexual anorexia is a condition that can be biopsychosocial.
Some individuals suffer from biological factors such as hormone loss or
erectile dysfunction that can contribute to this condition. Many others face
emotional issues because of a history of abuse. Social factors, such as
religious upbringing can also contribute to the development of sexual anorexia.
Sexual anorexia can be overcome with the help of a
counselor, psychiatrist, and or therapist.
Works Cited:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.