Hypersexuality
From Freepedia
Hypersexuality describes human sexual behavior at levels high enough to be considered clinically significant.
Nymphomania was believed to be a psychological disorder peculiar to females and 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.
The condition owes its names to the feminine nature spirits of Ancient Greece, known as nymphs. These ethereal beings were known in folklore for their sensuality and overtly sexual pursuit of men. The term nymphomaniac is perhaps best known to consumers of pornography, where women are often described as "nymphos" or "nymphomaniacs."
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.
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Hypersexuality and physical conditions
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.
Hypersexuality can also be caused by Kluver-Bucy syndrome, a neurobehavioral syndrome associated with bilateral medial temporal lobe dysfunction.
Hypersexuality has sometimes been reported following brain injuries and diseases that cause dementia and loss of impulse control.
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.
