Self-Reported Differences on Measures of Executive Function and Hypersexual Behavior in a Patient and Community Sample of Men

Abstract

Patients seeking help for hypersexual behavior often exhibit features of impulsivity, cognitive rigidity, poor judgment, deficits in emotion regulation, and excessive preoccupation with sex. Some of these characteristics are also common among patients presenting with neurological pathology associated with executive dysfunction. These observations led to the current investigation of differences between a group of hypersexual patients (n = 87) and a non-hypersexual community sample (n = 92) of men using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) and the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI). Significant differences between the groups emerged on eight subscales and all of the general indices of executive functioning with the most dramatic differences on BRIEF-A's Shift, Emotional Control, Initiate, and Plan/Organize subscales. Hypersexual behavior was positively correlated (r = .37, p < .01) with global indices of executive dysfunction and several subscales of the BRIEF-A. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the hypothesis that executive dysfunction may be implicated in hypersexual behavior.

Assessment, diagnosis, and management of hypersexual disorders

“…The HBI has been shown to be correlated to problems with executive functioning, most notably in emotional self-regulation, problem solving, planning, and selfmanagement [23]. In a study examining the effects of hypersexual disorder on coping with shame about hypersexual behavior, hypersexuals tended to use withdrawal and self-attack as methods of dealing with their shameful feelings [24].…”

Understanding the Roles of Shame and Neuroticism in a Patient Sample of Hypersexual Men

“…Hypersexual individuals frequently report numerous undesirable outcomes and multiple unsuccessful attempts at self-regulation (Coleman, 1991;Kafka, 2001;Kuzma and Black, 2008;. Hypersexuality is receiving increased attention in the literature as researchers continue to explore the associated characteristics of this phenomenon to further elucidate its etiology and consequences, including health risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases (Codispoti, 2008;Coleman et al, 2009;Kafka, 2001;Parsons et al, 2008;Reid et al, 2010;Schwartz, 2008). Further validation for the legitimacy of this phenomenon has also emerged in classification criteria being proposed for diagnostic consideration of a hypersexual disorder in the DSM-V (Kafka, 2010).…”

Neuroscience research fails to support claims that excessive pornography consumption causes brain damage

“…In one study, using neuropsychological self-report measures in a sample of hypersexual men (including those with excessive pornography problems), we found some evidence that executive deficits may exist in this population. [9] However, when actual performance was assessed on neuropsychological tests sensitive to frontal deficits common in executive dysfunction, no differences were found between hypersexual patients and healthy controls. [8] We interpreted these findings to support our theory that hypersexuality, including excessive pornography use, is a context specific phenomena which is expressed when triggered by a sexual cue or another stimuli, that when activated, is paired with sexual behavior (e.g., a learned behavior arising in response to dysphoric mood or stress such as been proposed in the current DSM-5 criteria for HD).…”