What is a Nymphomaniac? Is it a real, diagnosable condition?
Published:
Mar 17, 2025
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09:55 a.m.
ET
The term Nymphomaniac or “Nympho” is commonplace enough that most teens and adults have heard it uttered at one point or another. This phrase is not only outdated in its origin but holds a crass and sexist tone when used to negatively describe an individual's sexual behavior. While Nymphomania is not a medical term used to diagnose compulsive sexual behavior, it does have a more modern explanation that is now referred to commonly as Sex Addiction, or in the medical and clinical worlds as Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder.
Definition of Nymphomania
Nymphomania was generally used to describe a female who had excessive or uncontrollable sexual desires. (A similar term used during that time for males with compulsive sexual behavior was satyromaniac.) The term Nymphomaniac originates from the ancient Greek word Nymph, meaning young woman and mania, meaning frenzied madness. In the 18th and 19th centuries, doctors treated women with Nymphomania, using unnecessary medical treatment, if a woman displayed outward sexual behaviors. In today’s world, the term Nymphomaniac is not used in medical settings, as hypersexual behaviors are often referred to as hypersexuality disorder, sex addiction or compulsive sexual behavior.
Is Nymphomania the same as Sex Addiction?
In the definition of Nymphomania, sexual behavior is referred to as a deviant medical issue that requires the attention of a doctor to “fix” it. Nymphomania historically was also only used to describe the sexual behavior of women.
Sex Addiction speaks to compulsive sexual behavior that negatively impacts an individual's daily life that they are unable to stop, regardless of the consequences. One of the main differences between the terms Nymphomania and Sex Addiction, is a negative connotation that is attached to Nymphomania. This term is often heard and used in a derogatory fashion and does not hold any diagnostic principles. While sex addiction is not a diagnosis in the DSM-5, the behaviors associated with sex addiction can fall into other compulsive disorders, such as “compulsive sexual behavior disorder” that is formally recognized by the World Health Organization.
How is Sex Addiction diagnosed? DSM-5 criteria? Is there a test?
Sex addiction is not listed in the DSM-5 at this time, so there are currently no criteria to diagnose someone with sex addiction using it. Sex addiction is often considered a symptom of other behavioral or impulse disorders.
The ICD-11 added the code 6C72 for Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD), with many who struggle with sex addiction meeting the criteria. To be diagnosed with CSBD, an individual would experience uncontrolled sexual fantasies, sexual behavior that impacts daily life or mental distress due to sexual thoughts or behaviors, consistently over a six month period. A medical professional may also diagnose someone with symptoms of sex addiction as Unspecified Sexual Dysfunction (F52.9).
Compulsive sexual behaviors can include:
Preoccupation with sexual urges or behaviors
Feelings of guilt or depression accompanies sexual urges
Inability to control sexual urges or behaviors
Trouble maintaining healthy romantic relationships
Using sexual behavior to escape stress or negative feelings
Sexual urges or behaviors lead to negative consequences
Warning Signs of Sex Addiction
Sexual attraction and desire are normal and healthy parts of most people's lives. Sexual behavior can become addictive when an individual is unable to control their urges, leading to negative consequences.
Some of the most common signs of sex addiction include:
Uncontrollable sexual behavior or urges
Increased frequency of sexual urges or fantasies
Spending more on illicit materials, escort services or apps used for hookups
Feelings of guilt or shame after sexual acts
Sexual thoughts and behaviors disrupt daily life
Prioritizing sexual behavior over other responsibilities
Mental or physical health suffer due to sexual behaviors
Legal consequences from sexual urges or behaviors
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, Birches Health offers a free self-assessment for Sex Addiction that can help you determine if your sexual behaviors may be problematic.
Causes of sex addiction
There is not a singular reason that sex addiction occurs in an individual. One indication that someone may be more vulnerable to developing sex addiction is early exposure to pornographic materials or sexual trauma. Other mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse and impulse control disorders are common comorbidities with sex addiction. Research also suggests that sex addiction may be linked to biological factors, such as those with a family history of addiction.
Treatment options for Sex Addiction
Treatment for sex addiction is a comprehensive process that may involve various therapeutic options depending on an individual's needs. Sex addiction is often treated with methods used for other behavioral addictions. Interventions such as medication, self-help groups and counseling can all be beneficial when treating sex addiction.
Therapy may be done on an individual basis or involve couples or family counseling. Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) and Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous are popular self-help support groups that those suffering from sex addiction can attend, free of cost. If an individual is struggling with co-occurring mental health diagnosis in addition to sex addiction, a medical professional may prescribe medication to address multiple symptoms.
Birches Health offers specialized and comprehensive virtual treatment for sex addiction. Birches help reduce barriers to sex addiction treatment, including accepting most major insurance carriers. Individuals have access to one-on-one therapy and group counseling through Birches and sessions can be through video chat, text or telephone.
There are different ways to get support from Birches Health:
You can also speak to the team at 833-483-3838 or email help@bircheshealth.com to connect with Birches Health today.
Sex Addiction Statistics
The true scale of sex addiction is difficult to report, as most people struggling with excessive sexual behavior do not report it. It is estimated that up to 6% of individuals in the United States meet the criteria for sex addiction due to their behavior and the negative impact it has on their daily lives.
