Bipolar Hypersexuality: Understanding and Managing This Symptom

Hypersexuality is a common but seldom discussed symptom of bipolar disorder, making proactive management essential.

If you’re dealing with hypersexuality as a part of your bipolar disorder, you’re likely no stranger to an unusually relentless focus on sexual thoughts. It’s not uncommon for many to engage in casual sexual encounters, have multiple sexual partners, or develop a heightened interest in pornography.

These sudden or intensely frequent sexual urges usually crop up during hypomanic or manic episodes, contrasting with periods of low sexual interest during depressive phases.

Despite hypersexuality being a common occurrence in bipolar disorder (affecting an average of 57 percent of people with the diagnosis), and even though sexual arousal or interest has been recognized as a characteristic of manic episodes since the late 19th century, research in this area is still limited. Most of the information we have about hypersexuality in bipolar disorder comes from older observational studies.

RELATED: 5 Tips to Manage Manic Hypersexuality in Bipolar

Although diagnostic guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) cite increased sexual energy or indiscretions as significant symptoms, discussions about hypersexuality are not a standard part of many clinical practices. Yet this compulsive sexual behavior can lead to risky sexual behavior, jeopardize relationships, and seriously impact a person’s quality of life.

A recent small-scale pilot study published in the International Journal of Bipolar Disorders in February 2023, uncovered a “clear connection between sexuality and changes in mood and health-related quality of life.”

Ultimately, when sex shifts from a source of pleasure to an uncontrollable urge, it can become a harmful issue for many people. Here are 7 ways to help manage bipolar hypersexuality:

1. Identify and Then Limit Your Triggers for Uncontrolled Sexual Desire

Dealing with hypersexuality means you’ve got to stay ahead of it. Figure out what things stir up your sexual cravings, and then work on avoiding these situations. The Mayo Clinic suggests identifying your personal triggers and setting boundaries to prevent these circumstances.

These stimuli can vary greatly depending on your personal sensitivities. For instance, if you find that sexually explicit scenes in movies tend to fuel your urges, consider skipping specific film genres. If internet pornography is a compulsion, setting controls on your devices to block these sites can be beneficial.

Keep in mind, it’s not always easy to spot the subtle signs of hypomania, a precursor to increased sexual thoughts. That’s why it’s extra important to avoid places that might spark these feelings, like steering clear of settings like nightclubs, for example.

2. Treat Your Bipolar Disorder, Not Just the Symptoms

Managing bipolar disorder is the first line of defense. Being proactive, instead of only addressing symptoms, can help prevent sexual urges from becoming too overwhelming.

Fully committing to an illness management plan can prevent mood shifts and, hopefully, the intense sexual compulsions that arise primarily during hypomanic and manic episodes.

As we know, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for effectively treating bipolar disorder. Still, there are some cornerstone strategies. These include maintaining good sleep hygiene, adhering to the proper medication regime, and engaging in psychotherapy.

Addressing your lifestyle is equally important, particularly your diet and physical activity. Sticking to a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can significantly influence your mood, stress levels, and sleep patterns.

3. Ask Your Doctor About Treatments for Hypersexuality

While no medication is specifically approved for treating sexual addiction, Cleveland Clinic states that certain meds can influence your brain’s “urge and behavior” hormones.

Some medications used for managing bipolar disorder, such as mood stabilizers or antipsychotics, may help curb compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts.

Maintaining regular appointments with your healthcare provider is key. These check-ins are helpful for monitoring your symptoms, assessing treatment effectiveness, and making necessary adjustments.

Remember, open communication with your doctor or medical professional is essential. If you feel you’re dealing with hypersexuality symptoms as part of your bipolar, don’t hold back from discussing your concerns.

4. Be Open to Respecting Boundaries in Your Relationships

Sex is a normal, healthy desire, not a need to fulfill at all costs. In a committed relationship, a shared high sex drive may not seem problematic. But it’s not just about a high drive; it’s about sex controlling your life, leading to risky encounters and an insatiable desire for attention.

Hypersexuality can blindside a partner, leading to feelings of hurt and confusion, unaware that it’s a symptom of bipolar disorder, not relationship issues.

RELATED: Practical Tips to Manage Bipolar Hypersexuality and Protect Your Relationship

Open conversations about obsessive sexual behavior are vital, including understanding its compulsions. Setting boundaries is a key part of this process. For example, you might agree on no pornography or online affairs. Staying together might mean the partner with hypersexuality seeks help from a sexual addiction expert and that you both engage in couples therapy.

5. Think About Getting Help From a Sex Counselor

Seeking help from a sex therapist alongside receiving medical care can be invaluable for anyone dealing with hypersexuality. This can help tackle sexual issues, fostering improved self-understanding and effective coping strategies.

Therapy can work wonders to address sexual concerns, paving the way for better communication, understanding, and self-care. Therapeutic strategies can come in many forms, including individual counseling, family therapy, and participation in support groups.

In our digital age, online sex therapy programs have become a flexible option. You can access these programs from the comfort of your home, and they offer an array of strategies to manage sexual impulsivity. All of this is guided by professionals who understand the intricacies of the condition, providing help whether or not you’re in a committed relationship.

6. Explore Mindfulness Therapy to Manage Sexual Compulsivity

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) provides a practical approach for managing sexual compulsions in bipolar disorder. It does this by enhancing self-awareness and curbing impulses or cravings.

Mindfulness encourages you to stay in the moment, understanding your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice can help you identify addictive patterns and triggers. The approach also instructs you to view cravings as transient thoughts, lessening their influence over you.

One review confirms the effectiveness of mindfulness-based strategies in managing behavioral addictions. The systematic evaluation of randomized controlled trials demonstrated that mindfulness-based interventions effectively reduced dependence, cravings, and other addiction-related symptoms. This technique also played a significant role in improving mood and controlling emotional instability.

7. Don’t Let Shame or Embarrassment Stop You From Asking for Help

Many struggle with feelings of shame or embarrassment when seeking help for hypersexuality. Adding to the difficulty, some medical professionals might also find these discussions uncomfortable.

Research indicates that sexual concerns often get sidelined in healthcare conversations, with both professionals and patients often avoiding the topic. This suggests these issues may be underrecognized and even deemed taboo in clinical settings.

If your sex drive feels out of control or you’re wrestling with hypersexuality symptoms on your own, it’s essential not to delay seeking help, especially if it’s negatively impacting your relationships or personal wellness.

And remember, you’re not alone. Participating in an in-person or online support group can be a tremendous help. These spaces allow you to share experiences and coping strategies with others navigating similar challenges.

Cleveland Clinic points out that there are self-help support groups similar to Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12-step program, such as Sex Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, and Sexual Compulsives Anonymous.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

• Heare MR, Barsky M, Faziola LR. A Case of Mania Presenting With Hypersexual Behavior and Gender Dysphoria That Resolved With Valproic Acid. Mental Illness. 2016.
• Krogh HB, Vinberg M, Mortensen GL, Skakke D, et al. Bipolar Disorder and Sexuality: A Preliminary Qualitative Pilot Study. International Journal of Bipolar Disorders. February 2023.
• Compulsive Sexual Behavior. Mayo Clinic. April. 2023.
• Sex Addiction, Hypersexuality and Compulsive Sexual Behavior. Cleveland Clinic. 2022.
• Zhang D, Lee EP, Mak ECW, Ho CY, Wong SYS. Mindfulness-Based Interventions: An Overall Review. British Medical Bulletin. April 2021.
• Quinn C, Browne G. Sexuality of People Living With a Mental Illness: A Collaborative Challenge for Mental Health Nurses. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 2009.