WHO Officially Classifies Sex Addiction as a Mental Illness

Sex addiction is very real problem, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health.

The WHO just added sex addiction as a mental health condition to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11). The ICD is the WHO's tool for diagnosing, managing and treating various physical and mental disorders.

While this is the first time WHO is classifying sex addiction as a mental issue, the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), does have a listing for "Sexual Disorder Not Otherwise Specified," which can be used for a range of sexual compulsions.

Defined as a "persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in a repetitive sexual behavior," those suffering from sex addiction must suffer from the disorder for at least six months, and experience substantial distress as a result of their addiction prior to being diagnosed.

Those who have lots of sex with various partners in a manner that is considered healthy, i.e., not shirking any personal responsibilities or causing distress to either themselves, their partners, or family members, would not qualify as a sex addict.

The classification of sex addiction as a mental health problem comes shortly after the WHO included video-game addiction as a mental health disorder.