Problems of Self-Concept in a Patient Sample of Hypersexual Men With Attention-Deficit Disorder

Abstract

The results of these findings suggest that clinicians should exercise caution in assuming that common characteristics of ADHD, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity, exert the strongest influence on hypersexual behavior. Rather, our results provide evidence that the associated features of ADHD, such as problems with low self-esteem, might be more salient factors in influencing hypersexuality severity among patients with comorbid hypersexual behavior and ADHD.

Comorbidity between Behavioral Addictions and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a Systematic Review

“…These studies used similar methodology and included men who sought treatment for hypersexuality. The prevalence rates of adult ADHD was reported to be 23 % (Reid et al 2011) and 27 % (Reid 2007), which are higher than estimates in the general adult population (5 %) (Willcutt 2012). Contrary to the intuitive belief that impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms are related to increased sexual behavior, the vast majority of the hypersexual patients diagnosed with ADHD was of the inattentive subtype (Reid 2007;Reid et al 2011).…”

“…The prevalence rates of adult ADHD was reported to be 23 % (Reid et al 2011) and 27 % (Reid 2007), which are higher than estimates in the general adult population (5 %) (Willcutt 2012). Contrary to the intuitive belief that impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms are related to increased sexual behavior, the vast majority of the hypersexual patients diagnosed with ADHD was of the inattentive subtype (Reid 2007;Reid et al 2011). This finding may reflect the developmental trajectory of ADHD as adult ADHD is associated with less predominant symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity and more inattentive symptoms as opposed to typical ADHD in children or adolescents (Haavik et al 2010;Reid et al 2011).…”

“…Contrary to the intuitive belief that impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms are related to increased sexual behavior, the vast majority of the hypersexual patients diagnosed with ADHD was of the inattentive subtype (Reid 2007;Reid et al 2011). This finding may reflect the developmental trajectory of ADHD as adult ADHD is associated with less predominant symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity and more inattentive symptoms as opposed to typical ADHD in children or adolescents (Haavik et al 2010;Reid et al 2011). To date, no study has examined the prevalence of sex addiction in patients with ADHD.…”

“…However, our systematic review revealed only two studies using structured or semi-structured interviews in the diagnosis of ADHD in patients with sex addiction (Reid 2007;Reid et al 2011) (Table 4). These studies used similar methodology and included men who sought treatment for hypersexuality.…”

Prevalencia, comorbilidad y correlatos psicológicos de la compulsividad sexual

“…Ambas patologías comparten ciertos síntomas (p.e., dificultades en la inhibición conductual y control de impulsos) que podrían explicarse a partir del funcionamiento anómalo del control ejecutivo (Reid, Davtian, Lenartowicz, Torrevillas, & Fong, 2013). De hecho, la comorbilidad entre ambos trastornos es bastante alta: concretamente, del 16.7-18.7% cuando analizamos los antecedentes de TDAH durante la infancia (Kafka, 1997) y del 21-26% cuando analizamos la presencia de síntomas de TDAH en la actualidad (Blankenship & Laarser, 2004;Reid, Carpenter, Gilliland, & Karim, 2011). El subtipo más común de TDAH en CS es el inatento.…”