Diagnostic and Classification Considerations Related to Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder and Problematic Pornography Use

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review There are ongoing debates about specific features of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) relating to classification and diagnoses. We aim to address current discussions relating to potential subtypes of CSBD, the aspect of compulsivity in CSBD, and the aspect of moral incongruence and CSBD. Recent Findings CSBD includes multiple specific sexual behaviors that might be related to specific psychological processes. Problematic pornography use may be considered a subtype of CSBD, which may have multiple parallels with addictive behaviors. The feature of compulsivity in CSBD may be different from compulsivity in other disorders and may be differently involved in early versus later stages of CSBD. Moral incongruence is important to consider in the context of CSBD, although moral disapproval is not a general exclusion criterion for diagnosing CSBD. Summary Considering the current debates of specific features of CSBD, future research and clinical practice may benefit from a trans-diagnostic approach to contribute to a more fine-grained understanding of the multiple facets of CSBD.