Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Mania and Hypomania The Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Hypersexuality By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 27, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Daniel B. Block, MD Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD LinkedIn Twitter Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Tom Merton / Caiaimage / Getty Images Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a diagnosis bestowed upon those who experience sweeping mood swings that range from depressive lows to manic highs. It's a disorder that can have a variety of adverse effects on your life, including irritability, psychosis, sadness, low energy, low motivation, or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Bipolar Disorder and Your Sex Life In addition to these more general symptoms, however, bipolar disorder can also affect your sex life, leading to a drastically increased libido during periods of mania. Some who experience this heightened sexuality may receive a diagnosis of hypersexuality or sexual addiction, a diagnosis that still carries a lot of controversy within the fields of both psychology and sexuality. There are those who hesitate to pathologize sexuality in this way. After all, it's difficult to measure how much of a sex drive is too much. No matter what you choose to call it, however, if these symptoms become disruptive to your life, it's worth seeking out help. Understanding Hypersexuality Hypersexuality is defined as an increased need or pressure for sexual gratification. It can often be a symptom of mania, and may also include decreased inhibitions or a need for "forbidden" sex. Hypersexuality is listed as one of the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, so it's a common part of bipolar disorder. Understandably, if you're experiencing a manic episode and you succumb to your urges, you're putting your relationships at risk, as well as yourself. Unrestrained hypersexuality can place you at an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Are Behavior Addictions Real? Understanding Sexual Addiction Sexual addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behavior, is thinking about and engaging in sexual behavior so often that it interferes with your relationships, your health, your job, or other aspects of your life. It can damage many aspects of your life if it's left untreated. Sexual addiction can be just as destructive as being addicted to chemical substances. An estimated 3 to 6 percent of adults in the United States, predominantly male, are sexually addicted. Although sexual addiction is not listed as a disorder in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it can be diagnosed as an impulse-control disorder in the current International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), which is the international standard for diagnosis. Is Sex Addiction or Hypersexuality Real? Behaviors Associated With Sexual Addiction Some of the specific behaviors associated with sexual addiction include: Anonymous sex with multiple partners (including one night stands) Compulsive masturbation Compulsive sex with sex workers Frequent patronizing of sexually-oriented establishments Habitual exhibitionism Habitual voyeurism Inappropriate sexual touching Multiple affairs outside a committed relationship Rape Sexual abuse of children It's important to note here that any one of these behaviors in and of itself does not constitute an addiction. What to Do if You Were Raped Consequences These compulsive sexual behaviors can carry a high price. Financially, they can lead to outrageous charges from prostitutes or phone sex lines. Professionally, your behavior may cause you to lose your job. Personally, your relationships, intimate and otherwise, could be damaged. Health-wise, if you're indiscriminate, sexual contacts could lead to disease. If you're concerned about your own behavior, talk to your doctor, or to another sexuality professional. You may require additional sexual counseling/therapy in addition to the treatment you're already receiving for bipolar disorder. The Best Online Sex Therapy Programs 3 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kopeykina I, Kim HJ, Khatun T, et al. Hypersexuality and couple relationships in bipolar disorder: A review. J Affect Disord. 2016;195:1-14. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.01.035 Heare MR, Barsky M, Faziola LR. A Case of Mania Presenting with Hypersexual Behavior and Gender Dysphoria that Resolved with Valproic Acid. Ment Illn. 2016;8(2):6546. doi:10.4081/mi.2016.6546 Karila L, Wéry A, Weinstein A, et al. Sexual addiction or hypersexual disorder: different terms for the same problem? A review of the literature. Curr Pharm Des. 2014;20(25):4012-20. doi:10.2174/13816128113199990619 Additional Reading Kraus SW, Voon V, Potenza MN. Neurobiology of Compulsive Sexual Behavior: Emerging Science. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2016;41(1):385-386. doi:10.1038/npp.2015.300. Mayo Clinic Staff. Compulsive Sexual Behavior. Mayo Clinic. Updated October 5, 2017. By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Speak to a Therapist Online Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.