Pornography Addiction: Conceptual and Methodological Approaches in the Post-Pandemic Era. Mini-Review

Abstract

The significant increase in pornography consumption observed in recent years has generated a growing interest in its investigation. Matters such as what constitutes use, abuse, or addiction are central to its comprehension, both initially and subsequently in the therapeutic context. This mini review delves into the current status of the issue of pornography addiction, providing an overview of the primary challenges related to its conceptual framework, assessment, and treatment. To date, published studies have yielded inconsistent results, likely due to the lack of consensus in their conclusions. This disorder has not yet been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, it has recently been incorporated into the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). This review outlines as future directions in this regard, the standardization of existing definitions concerning pornography addiction, the exploration of available methodological instruments for its assessment, and the examination of therapeutic approaches and their effectiveness in the treatment of this addiction.