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The word anorexia meanswithout appetite(anorexia being derived from the Greek word,orexis), so sexual anorexia refers to a lack of sexual appetite. What makes it a form of addiction is thecompulsiveavoidance of sex. This can include behaviors related to sex, self-image, and intimacy:
Who’s at Risk
Sexual anorexia can affect men and women alike. According to Carnes, survivors of pastsexual abuseor sexual rejection are most often affected and are often unaware of the reason for their difficulties with sex.
People with sexual anorexia may also have concurrent problems with other addictions, such asfood addiction,substance addictions, and other obsessive or anxiety-driven problems.
People who strongly identify with cultural, social, or religious groups that involve sexual oppression,repression, or other negative approaches to sexuality may also be particularly vulnerable to developing the obsessive avoidance of sex that characterizes sexual anorexia.
What Causes a Fear of Sex?
Do People With Sexual Anorexia Ever Have Sex?
Despite their aversion to sex, people living with sexual anorexia may still engage in sexual relationships. Ironically, a person with sexual anorexia may even form a relationship with a person who has an unmanagedsex addiction, as one partner struggles with control over their sexuality while the other has excessive control.
Getting Help
If you or your partner are having difficulties with feelings about sex or sexual expression, you may be able to get a referral to a sex therapist from your doctor.
You can also contact your local psychological association or the American Psychological Association website for help finding a psychologist. The Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH) can also help you find a therapist with expertise in sex addiction and sexual anorexia.
Signs and Symptoms of Sex Addiction
1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dhuffar MK, Griffiths MD.Barriers to female sex addiction treatment in the UK.J Behav Addict. 2016;5(4):562-567. doi:10.1556/2006.5.2016.072Additional ReadingCarnes, Ph.D., PatrickSexual Anorexia: Overcoming Sexual Self-Hatred.Hazelden, Center City, MN. 1997.Hardman, R. & Gardner, D. “Sexual Anorexia: A Look at Inhibited Sexual Desire.“Journal of Sex Education & Therapy.
1 Source
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dhuffar MK, Griffiths MD.Barriers to female sex addiction treatment in the UK.J Behav Addict. 2016;5(4):562-567. doi:10.1556/2006.5.2016.072Additional ReadingCarnes, Ph.D., PatrickSexual Anorexia: Overcoming Sexual Self-Hatred.Hazelden, Center City, MN. 1997.Hardman, R. & Gardner, D. “Sexual Anorexia: A Look at Inhibited Sexual Desire.“Journal of Sex Education & Therapy.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Dhuffar MK, Griffiths MD.Barriers to female sex addiction treatment in the UK.J Behav Addict. 2016;5(4):562-567. doi:10.1556/2006.5.2016.072
Carnes, Ph.D., PatrickSexual Anorexia: Overcoming Sexual Self-Hatred.Hazelden, Center City, MN. 1997.Hardman, R. & Gardner, D. “Sexual Anorexia: A Look at Inhibited Sexual Desire.“Journal of Sex Education & Therapy.
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