Bipolar hypersexuality can be a very real thing. If you have bipolar disorder or are in a relationship with someone who does, it’s important to understand these co-occurring disorders previously known as bipolar nymphomania. Not only can bipolar disorder and hypersexuality cause hurt and betrayal trauma in loved ones, it can be a warning sign of a manic episode in the person struggling, shares VerywellHealth.com
Bipolar Hypersexuality: A Quick Review of Two Disorders
As you’re wanting to know more about bipolar hypersexuality, you need to realize that this condition represents two distinct disorders (hypersexuality and bipolar disorder) that can both occur independently of each other as well.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
If you have bipolar disorder, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll struggle with hypersexuality as well. As a mental health disorder, being bipolar can cause dramatic mood swings that impact your ability to function and your energy levels. You will typically oscillate between periods of high energy, activity, elation, and even irritability called manic episodes and low-energy periods full of sadness or disinterest called depressive episodes. There are three main types of bipolar disorder (and some variations within those), and each type’s duration and intensity of mood swings is different.
What is Hypersexual Disorder?
Hypersexual disorder, or hypersexuality, is a condition associated with out-of-control sexual urges, fantasies, or behaviors. Struggling with hypersexuality typically looks like engaging in compulsive sexual behavior such as:
- Sex addiction
- Porn addiction
- Masturbation addiction
- Arousal addiction
For many, hypersexuality will disrupt their ability to function normally and maintain their personal responsibilities and relationships. Though their sexual addiction causes problems, they’re unable to stop. Some people will use hypersexuality as a coping mechanism for underlying past trauma like others would use alcohol or drugs. As a behavioral addiction, hypersexuality and trauma are very intertwined.
What You Can Expect With Bipolar Hypersexuality
According to a study by Psychiatry Journal, about 25% to 80% of people with bipolar disorder will struggle with hypersexuality. However, bipolar hypersexuality may look different than other cases of hypersexual disorder due to the fact that it can fluctuate, just like a bipolar person’s moods.
Bipolar hypersexuality most likely will occur during a manic episode. Not only can you have an extremely high sex drive during this time, but the sex you do have doesn’t satisfy your desires, so you want more. As you’re driven by your compulsive urges, you may engage in increasingly risky behaviors. Some symptoms of hypersexuality in bipolar disorder, according to EverydayHealth.com, will include:
- Inappropriate flirting
- Thinking about sex all the time
- Having sex with multiple partners
- Participating in one-night stands
- Increased interest in pornography
- Noticeable changes in sexual behavior
- Driving too fast, gambling, or other reckless behaviors
Bipolar disorder and hypersexuality look different, however, when you’re in a depressive episode. During this time, you may actually experience a lower sex drive than normal and have a total disinterest in sex. A lack of personal hygiene or self-care may arise from feeling like you’re undesirable or physically unattractive during your depressed state. The physical nature of sex itself may also not appeal to you due to the fatigue you may experience during your episode as well. With that said, bipolar hypersexuality can also be used as a way to cope with your depressive episode symptoms, too.
Navigating Your Bipolar Hypersexuality Triggers
When you experience hypersexuality in bipolar disorder, there’s a good chance you’ll end up engaging in sexual behavior that’s out of character for you (or even dangerous). Whether it’s an extramarital affair, having unprotected sex with strangers, or participating in sex acts in public, you may often experience regret or shame over your actions afterwards. Despite these negative consequences though, your hypersexuality may continue to push you towards further unwanted behaviors in the future.
The potential fallout of hypersexuality makes it important to recognize your bipolar hypersexuality triggers so you can manage them before they spiral out of control. This starts with knowing the experiences, smells, places, or emotions that set you off and communicating them (as well as your condition) to your partner. Yet you also need to intentionally make time for self-care activities and a routine that gives you the structure you need to stay the course. However, seeking professional help for your bipolar disorder and hypersexuality is the most important step for living a normal, healthy life.
Bipolar and Hypersexuality: Treating Co-Occurring Disorders Together
When you’re struggling with bipolar hypersexuality, you can’t overcome these conditions on your own. Nor is it a good idea to get help for one condition at a time. That’s why partnering with dual diagnosis treatment centers that can address both your bipolar disorder and hypersexuality at the same time is critical. By treating these co-occurring disorders together, you’re in the best position to not only overcome your hypersexuality, but also be empowered to manage your bipolar disorder well so it doesn’t control your life.
At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we specialize in trauma-informed care that treats a variety of conditions all in one place, including mental health disorders and compulsive sexual behavior. With our dual diagnosis treatment program, you can become your authentic self without bipolar hypersexuality pulling the strings. To learn more, call us today.
