Nymphomania and Hypersexuality: Everything You Need to Know

“You read too many books.” “You've been drinking brandy.” “You like women” — these are the sorts of things a doctor might have told you in the 19th century, when nymphomania was considered a common illness among women. But what does nymphomania actually mean?

The word has its roots in Ancient Greek: “nymph” means young woman, while “mania” refers to a “raging madness”. Why these particular terms? When the condition was first described in the 19th century, doctors believed that a woman's sexual desire for her husband — or, worse still, for someone she wasn't married to — was a sign that she was suffering from an illness so severe it could prove fatal. Because sexuality was barely understood at the time, any woman who failed to conform to social norms was branded a “nymphomaniac” — she would be committed to a psychiatric asylum or forced to endure appalling surgical procedures.

Thankfully, the term “nymphomania” is no longer used today, as it is outdated and inappropriate. Instead, we now speak of sex addiction or hypersexuality. In this article we go behind the scenes: what are the characteristics, how do you recognise them, and what treatments are available? 

Nymphomania (hypersexual disorder) – what is it?

In the 20th century, researchers such as Masters and Johnson (you may know them from the series Masters of Sex) demonstrated that female sexual desire is normal and a part of human sexuality. As research progressed, the term nymphomania fell out of use. 
Instead, hypersexual disorder came to be studied and recognised in both women and men — regardless of sexual orientation. 
The phenomenon has been described as hypersexual disorder, hypersexuality, compulsive sexual behaviour and sex addiction. Even so, the American Psychiatric Association has decided not to include hypersexual disorder as a distinct diagnostic category, owing to a lack of research into valid diagnostic criteria.

 Nymphomania – symptoms

 When sexual behaviour is classed as compulsive, the typical characteristics of hypersexuality generally include:

• Intrusive, repetitive sexual thoughts or urges that take up an excessive amount of time
• Difficulty reducing or stopping the behaviour
• Sexual fantasies, impulses or acts used as a way of coping with stressful situations
• Numerous sexual partners
• Anxiety and depression, feelings of guilt

These aren't the only characteristics, but they are among the most distressing and can affect a person's mental and physical health.

Nymphomania in men – satyriasis

We deliberately say “a person”, because although the disorder was considered typically female, men could be affected too. The male counterpart to nymphomania was already known in ancient Greece as satyriasis, and in the 1900s it was referred to as “Don Juan syndrome”.

Over the years, prejudice had negative consequences not only for women but for men as well: from questions about which behaviours were socially acceptable, to the belief that sex undermined “manliness” — men too had to conform to the norms, or risk being seen as weak or “effeminate”.

How do you recognise a nymphomaniac?

While hypersexual behaviour is more common in men, women also struggle with such disorders. The term “nymphomaniac”, however, is today neither useful nor logical.

Current studies and research have so far identified a number of concerning signs of hypersexuality: excessive masturbation, excessive consumption of pornography, and indiscriminate, uncritical sexual activity.

Today, hypersexual disorder can be understood as an attempt to regulate one's own stress tolerance through highly stimulating sexual fantasies. It may also be linked to personality disorders and/or to people who have experienced abuse and trauma.

Causes of nymphomania

In most cases, the causes of hypersexuality cannot be established. When this condition was first “discovered”, doctors believed nymphomania could be caused by drinking brandy, reading too much (that's right!!), by divorce, and even by attraction to other women. The treatments were just as absurd — and worse still, they had drastic and irreversible consequences, such as the surgical removal of the clitoris. 

Even today there is no single, clear-cut cause of hypersexual disorder, primarily because every case is unique — with its own medical history, social circumstances and other important, strictly individual factors. Research has, however, identified a number of common factors that can trigger or encourage hypersexual behaviour:

• Trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence
• An imbalance of chemical messengers in the brain
• Certain environmental triggers
• Neurological conditions and the medicines used to treat them (Parkinson's)
• Mental health conditions (bipolar disorder, for example)

Risk factors – nymphomania

Based on the data and studies available to date, a number of risk factors for developing hypersexual disorder can now be identified: a traumatic event, a history of mental illness, alcohol or substance misuse, extreme stress, psychological problems or impulse control disorders, and gambling addiction. 

Certain medical conditions can also be risk factors, without necessarily causing hypersexuality. These include:

• Hyperthyroidism, which can excessively increase libido
• Very high oestrogen levels
• Medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Very high serotonin and dopamine levels
• A family history of mental illness
• Sexual abuse and other traumatic events

Diagnosing nymphomania (hypersexual disorder)

Hypersexual disorder is diagnosed through consultation with a doctor and on the basis of a range of important information about the patient's sexual experiences, urges, fantasies and behaviours. The doctor may also review the medical history to rule out other conditions, and take into account the patient's psychiatric history and family circumstances.

Nymphomania: treatment

Treatment for hypersexual disorder involves various approaches that are also used for other compulsive conditions. Education about mental health, for instance, can generally help to reduce the stigma and shame associated with such disorders. After all, when those affected can speak openly and without judgement, psychotherapy can help them understand what lies behind their behaviour. 

And since we're on the subject of psychotherapy — here are some of the treatment options: 

• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Couples therapy
• Medication (anxiolytics, antidepressants and antipsychotics)

There are also recommendations that can support the recovery process, such as joining a support group for people with addictions. In every instance — since each case is unique and deeply personal — a thorough, detailed assessment is needed in order to identify the symptoms clearly and determine the appropriate treatment or any further steps required. 

How can everyday life be made easier?

Alongside treatments and recommendations, it's important to know how you can speed up the recovery process and cope better. The first step is to let go of the stigma. Further strategies for greater balance and wellbeing come under self-care and include: 

• A daily self-care routine
• Regular sleeping hours
• A balanced diet and regular exercise
• A support group
• Managing sexual urges
• Identifying your triggers
• Working through feelings of shame and guilt

Although asking for help can be difficult (it is, after all, a very personal matter), if you or someone close to you is struggling with hypersexuality, it's important to:

• set aside any shame and focus on the benefits that treatments and solutions can bring
• remember that you are not alone: many people are affected by sex addiction.
• find a therapist who is trained in treating hypersexuality and has the necessary expertise
• make sure that sessions and conversations remain confidential.

Complications of hypersexual disorder

In summary, hypersexuality is a complex condition that continues to be researched and can lead to further complications on a personal, social and professional level. It genuinely affects every area of life. From a mental health perspective, hypersexual disorder can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. 

If you or someone close to you recognises any of the symptoms and characteristics described in our article, don't hesitate to seek professional help.