5.7 million people have bipolar disorder and find it hard to manage in itself. But, when you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and are experiencing hypersexuality, that’s another level of complexity.
If you’re wondering what it means to have bipolar disorder and experience hypersexuality simultaneously, we’re here to provide the information you’ve been looking for.
What Is Hypersexuality?
Hypersexuality is when someone finds themselves with an increased need or urge to do things sexually gratifying to them. Often for people with bipolar disorder, hypersexuality is one of the most common symptoms accompanied by a manic episode.
During a manic stage, a person might not have as much control over their actions and find themselves giving in to these urges, which can be quite dangerous.
What Is Sexual Compulsivity?
Another term that you need to understand when it comes to hypersexuality is sexual compulsivity.
Having compulsive sexual behavior can not only put your sexual health at risk, but it can also be detrimental to the relationships that you have built-in your life. It also makes it challenging to focus on other things like doing your job or hanging out with friends.
Sexual compulsivity can be just as detrimental as if you were someone that was addicted to alcohol or drugs. Between 12-30 million people have admitted that they have a sexual addiction.
Behaviors Exhibited by Someone With Sexual Compulsive
You might notice several behaviors from yourself or someone close to you that you suspect of having sexual compulsivity. They might engage in several sexual conquests that might involve a partner or several partners.
You might find yourself spending more time than necessary masturbating for hours a day. Meaning whenever you get the urge, and even when you don’t have the urge, you find yourself masturbating.
Someone also might spend more time in areas where sexual themes are prevalent instead of doing things like going to work or spending time with people they love. Another sign is constantly wanting to engage in sexual activities with sex workers.
Having one condition or the other isn’t necessarily a sign of sexual compulsivity, but it can be.
The Link Between Bipolar Disorder and Hypersexuality
We briefly mentioned that most people diagnosed with hypersexuality would experience this feeling during moments of mania. Mania is when someone goes through severe mood swings for extended periods of time.
When a person with bipolar disorder goes through mania, for some, their libido, or sex drive, increases dramatically. It’s important to note that your libido can also do the opposite and decrease during this time.
There have been several studies that are being done to show the link between bipolar disorder and hypersexuality. When someone is said to have an increased libido, their doctor will diagnose them with either sexual addiction or hypersexuality.
Most people with bipolar disorder take medication to control the mood swings. Although medications can minimize the mood swings that someone goes through, they can’t always stop them from happening.
Working with your physician can ensure that you find the right combination of medications to help control your mood swings’ severity. People with bipolar disorder may also have issues with anxiety and depression.
They will go through periods of highs and severe lows at the same time. That’s why having the medication is important to control the severity of the highs and lows.
What’s the Controversy With the Diagnosis?
While some people are quick to label someone with the diagnosis, not all doctors are willing to put that label on someone as quickly as others. The reason for this is you’ve got to ask yourselves how much is too much when it comes to a person’s sex drive?
When you think about it, each person is different, meaning their sex drive is different as well. Stopping to think about how much is too much and when the line is crossed, there are several instances in which you would think someone’s sex drive is too much.
Here are some instances where it might be categorized as too much:
- Putting yourself in danger to achieve sexual gratification
- Putting others in danger in search of sexual conquests
- Disregarding other responsibilities to engage in sexual activity
- Spending every waking moment of the day engaging in sexual activities
Once something consumes your thoughts, and you’re no longer able to function in a productive manner, it’s become a problem. If you’re someone who suffers from bipolar disorder, you need to speak with your primary doctor about medication.
And other forms of treatment that will help you manage your disorder. Once you’ve got a better grasp on your disorder, you can then find treatment for hypersexuality.
Bipolar Disorder and Hypersexuality: What Does It Mean?
There are several things to note when it comes to bipolar disorder and hypersexuality. Things like how the only time most people experience hypersexuality is when you’ve entered into a manic phase.
This phase is where it’s nearly impossible to control your sexual urges.
If you’re looking for a place that can offer you the treatment, you need to contact Steps For Change. We know what steps you need to take to lead a healthier life.
We used evidence-based techniques to provide clients with the best care they can find. Stop wasting time, and let us help you take one step at a time.