describes a desire for
Human Sexual Behavior at levels high enough to be considered clinically significant.
The concept of hypersexuality replaces the older concepts of (or '''''furor uterinus''''') and '''satyriasis'''.
Nymphomania was believed to be a
Psychological Disorder characterized by an overactive
Libido and an
Obsession with
Sex . In
Males the disorder was called satyriasis (for etymology of the words, see
Nymph and
Satyr ). "Nymphomania" and "satyriasis" are no longer listed as specific disorders in the
DSM-IV .
Nymphomania owes its name to the feminine nature spirits of
Ancient Greece , known as
Nymphs . Satyriasis owes its name to the mythical masculine creatures of Ancient Greece, half man/half goat creatures known as
Satyr s.
The threshold for what constitutes hypersexuality is subject to debate, and critics question if a standardized diagnostic threshold even exists.
Sex Drive varies widely in humans, and what one person would consider a "normal" sex drive might be considered excessive by some, and low by others. The consensus among those who consider this a disorder is that the threshold is met when the behavior causes distress or impaired social functioning.
Hypersexuality can be a
Symptom of
Bipolar Disorder and is generally associated with the
Manic phase of the disease. It can result in behavior that the manic person later regrets (
Depressive phase).
The condition can also be caused by
Kluver-Bucy Syndrome , a neurobehavioral syndrome associated with bilateral medial
Temporal Lobe dysfunction. Lesions to the
Amygdala in the
Limbic System can also cause hypersexuality.
It has sometimes been reported following brain injuries and diseases that cause
Dementia and loss of impulse control. Additionally, hypersexuality is a reported side effect of
Dopamine Agonist s such as
Pramipexole .
Hypersexuality is characterized by an impairing need for frequent genital stimulation that does not result in sexual satisfaction. This dissatisfaction is what is believed to encourage the heightened frequency of sexual stimulation, as well as additional physiological and neurological symptoms.
- Carol Groneman, ''Nymphomania: A History,'' (London: Fusion Press, 2001)
