Bipolar Disorder Hypersexuality: The Symptom We Don’t Talk Enough About
In bipolar disorder, the sex drive can change during mood episodes. With depression, a person may be less interested in sex. However, in a manic or hypomanic episode, a person may have a much higher sex drive than normal. A high libido, in and of itself, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can enhance intimate relationships and sexual creativity. However, bipolar disorder hypersexuality isn’t just a high libido. It involves out-of-control urges to have sex frequently, and it can tear relationships apart.
Hypersexuality can be a difficult topic to discuss. But it’s important to talk about it, as so many people with bipolar disorder experience it.
What Is Hypersexuality?
Bipolar disorder hypersexuality refers to intense sexual thoughts and urges that are very difficult to control. These thoughts may interrupt work, family events, and even exercise classes. It may be hard to think of anything else.
Hypersexuality occurs during manic or hypomanic episodes. Mania, which occurs during bipolar one, often causes poor judgment, risk-taking, and impulsivity. So, during a manic episode, a person may act in ways that they normally wouldn’t. They may take risks like having unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. This behavior can lead to devastating consequences. Hypersexual behavior can occur during hypomanic episodes, but it may not be as severe.
Although it’s not listed as a symptom of bipolar disorder in the diagnostic handbook (DSM-5) widely used by psychiatrists, hypersexuality falls under the DSM-5 criterion of “excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences.”
Hypersexuality is quite common among those with bipolar disorder. One study published in The Lancet by Bipolar UK found that more than 88 percent of people with bipolar disorder experienced hypersexuality.
What Does Hypersexuality in Bipolar Look Like?
Also referred to as compulsive sexual behavior, hypersexuality includes the following symptoms:
An overwhelming need for sex
Compulsive masturbation
Excessive flirtatiousness
Anonymous one-night stands
Sex with multiple partners
Sexual fantasies that are hard to control
Infidelity outside of a committed relationship
The Impact of Bipolar Disorder Hypersexuality
Unchecked manic hypersexuality has the potential to do a lot of harm. There are many potential negative effects of hypersexuality.
Relationships - If you are in a committed relationship and you give in to your urges, then it puts your relationship at risk.
Physical Health - If you engage in high-risk sex (without protection), you have an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
On Mental Health - Hypersexuality can damage a person’s mental health. It’s not uncommon to feel shame and regret over things done while hypersexual, especially if you put yourself in dangerous or embarrassing situations. One study found that people who experienced hypersexuality had an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
How To Calm Hypersexuality?
Hypersexuality is (in those who have bipolar disorder) an underlying symptom of mania. So, treating bipolar mania will help reduce manic hypersexuality. The first line treatment for bipolar disorder is medication. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are typically used to treat bipolar mania. Mood stabilizers can also help with hypersexuality.
Bipolar medications: Learn about your options.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy is also an important part of the treatment of bipolar disorder. Studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, is especially effective for hypersexuality. CBT focuses on helping you identify and replace negative thoughts and behaviors with more adaptive, positive ones.
Counseling for bipolar disorder.
Repairing Relationships
How to pick up the pieces after a manic episode.
You can heal a relationship from the damage caused by bipolar disorder hypersexuality. But, it will take work and time. Choose a time to speak to your partner when you are both calm. Be honest and take responsibility for your behaviors. It’s important to consider how your partner or spouse feels if you have been unfaithful. Give them time to process everything. Take steps to work on this issue, perhaps via couples counseling. Most importantly, commit to treatment for bipolar 1 and bipolar 2.
