Just can't say NO to SEX

Psychiatrists here are seeing more sex-addiction cases, mostly men. Stress can be a trigger for such urges

Just three years ago, psychiatrists here hardly saw what may be described as sex-addiction cases.
The situation today is different.

Risk group: The shy and introverted
'Often, it manifests in people with shy, introverted personalities who have social anxiety and are under some kind of stress.'
DR ANG YONG GUAN, a consultant psychiatrist at Paragon Medical

Three psychiatrists interviewed said they each see two to four cases a year, most of whom are men.

The disorder made the news last week when it was reported that Hollywood actor David Duchovny, 48, most famous for his TV series The X-Files, was seeking treatment for it.

'Before 2005, I saw zero cases. Now I see two or three cases a year,' said Dr Ang Yong Guan, a consultant psychiatrist at Paragon Medical.

Experts said sex addiction is a disorder similar to other addictions and dependencies like alcohol abuse.

There is seemingly no genetic cause for it and it may lie dormant in a person for years, only to appear when triggered by stress.

It also commonly occurs in people who are vulnerable to other addictions like drugs.

It can take several forms, ranging from a constant urge to view pornographic material to seeking out one-night stands with, say, prostitutes. Some even indulge in fetishes like sex with objects.

Although some addicts have partners, they often seek external stimulation at the expense of their relationships as they may find their partners boring.

The affliction becomes serious when one's social life or work is noticeably affected.

Several factors have contributed to the increase in the number of people being identified with sex addiction.

Dr Ken Ung, a consultant psychiatrist at Adam Road Medical Centre under the Pacific Healthcare Group, noted that the Internet has led to chatlines and easily available pornography.

Dr Adrian Wang, a consultant psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, agreed and cited cases in which addicts were able to satisfy their urges online, from viewing pornography to contacting people for sex.

The Internet has also led to more people being caught for their addiction as partners or family members can track the addict's history of visited websites.

The experts said sex addiction is more prevalent in men and that it cuts across social classes.

Dr Ung added: 'It is seen more commonly in men as they are more open than women in dealing with their needs.'

Dr Ang said that people who have experienced abuse or neglect may be more prone to developing sex addictions.

'Often, it manifests in people with shy, introverted personalities who have social anxiety and are under some kind of stress,' he said.

Added Dr Ung: 'People with high sex drives who use sex as a way of coping with life's stresses are also more prone to addiction.'

In women, sex addiction usually takes the form of highly impulsive sexual relationships like one-night stands.

Sex addiction can lead to crimes like molestation or the stealing of fetish items like underwear.

There are various treatments, lasting from six months to a year.

Dr Ung uses a combination of medication like anti-depressants and therapy. In the latter, the patient has to imagine his arousing behaviour alongside consequences like getting caught.

'Sometimes, practical methods help. A businessman travelling often can limit the opportunity to stray by arranging to share a room with a male colleague,' he said.

Dr Wang teaches patients to focus on the negative impact of their addictions and helps them identify the trigger factors, which can be anything from low selfesteem to relationship or work stress.

It is also important to improve their sex lives with their partners, who they sometimes find sexually boring, he said.

He had a case of a young man who was addicted to seeking commercial sex but seldom had sex with his own girlfriend.

The man later learnt that sex with his girlfriend could be more satisfying if he abstained from commercial sex.

He added: 'Sex addiction is probably more prevalent than we imagine because it is less socially acceptable than addictions like drinking or gambling. People are still less likely to seek help.'