In this episode of Beyond Theory, Dr. Stephanie Carnes, a leading expert in the field of sexual health and addiction and Senior Fellow at The Meadows, discusses the recently recognized diagnosis of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) and the often-overlooked issue of sexual anorexia. The conversation sheds light on the importance of distinguishing between healthy sexual behaviors and problematic compulsivity, as well as the role of complex trauma in the development of these conditions.

 

Dr. Carnes explains that the World Health Organization's decision to include CSBD in the ICD-11 is a significant step towards legitimizing sex addiction and compulsivity as a genuine disorder. She emphasizes the need for clear diagnostic criteria to help therapists identify when an individual's sexual behavior has become impaired, distressing, and unmanageable, leading to negative consequences in their life.

 

The discussion delves into the concept of complex trauma, which refers to repeated instances of emotional abuse, neglect, sexual trauma, and other "small t" traumas throughout childhood and into adulthood. Dr. Carnes highlights the strong link between complex trauma and the development of compulsive sexual behaviors, as individuals may use sex, porn, or love addiction as a maladaptive way to meet attachment needs without the vulnerability of true intimacy.

 

Dr. Carnes also addresses the often-overlooked issue of sexual anorexia, characterized by an aversion or avoidance of sexual contact, often stemming from sexual trauma and associated shame. She discusses the importance of a comprehensive assessment for couples dealing with sexual issues, including ruling out medical conditions, examining relationship dynamics, and addressing any underlying trauma or active addictions.

 

Throughout the episode, Dr. Carnes emphasizes the prevalence of these issues across demographics, with recent data suggesting that 10% of men and 7% of women struggle with compulsive sexual behaviors. She stresses the need for increased awareness, training, and resources for therapists to effectively treat individuals and couples affected by trauma and addiction.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

1. Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) is now recognized as an official diagnosis by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the ICD-11, legitimizing sex addiction and compulsivity as a genuine disorder.

  

2. Clear diagnostic criteria are essential for therapists to distinguish between healthy sexual behaviors and problematic compulsivity, avoiding the over-pathologizing of normal sexual behavior.

 

3. Complex trauma, involving repeated instances of emotional abuse, neglect, sexual trauma, and "small t" traumas throughout childhood and adulthood, is strongly linked to the development of compulsive sexual behaviors.

 

4. Individuals with a history of complex trauma may use sex, porn, or love addiction as a maladaptive way to meet attachment needs without the vulnerability of true intimacy.

  

5. Sexual anorexia, characterized by an aversion or avoidance of sexual contact, often stems from sexual trauma and associated shame.

 

6. Comprehensive assessment is crucial for couples dealing with sexual issues, including ruling out medical conditions, examining relationship dynamics, and addressing underlying trauma or active addictions.

 

7. Recent data suggests that compulsive sexual behaviors affect 10% of men and 7% of women, highlighting the prevalence of these issues across demographics.

  

8. Increased awareness, training, and resources are needed for therapists to effectively treat individuals and couples affected by trauma and addiction.

  

9. Recovery from compulsive sexual behaviors and sexual anorexia is possible with proper treatment and support, addressing shame, processing trauma, and rebuilding healthy intimacy.

 

The conversation concludes on a hopeful note, with Dr. Carnes reminding listeners that recovery is possible with proper treatment and support. By addressing shame, processing trauma, and rebuilding healthy intimacy, individuals can overcome compulsive sexual behaviors and sexual anorexia to lead fulfilling lives.