The International Classification of Diseases-11 (ICD-11) included a new diagnosis for Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder, which can be viewed at the following link: (https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en#/http://id.who.int/icd/entity/1630268048). The key is in the repetitiveness, failure to control, and marked distress/impairment in personal functioning (6 months or more). The ICD-11 was released this month in May, 2019 and will replace the ICD-10 in 2022. The early release is intended for organizations to view the changes and prepare for treatment planning. In the U.S., clinicians use the Diagnostic Statistical Manual for Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5) for diagnosing patients, which coincides with the International Classification of Diseases. Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder now listed in the ICD-11 makes it almost certain it will be included in the next DSM update.  

The first step in treatment is taking the Sexual Addiction Screening Test. A more thorough assessment is completed with the Sexual Dependency Inventory (SDI), which can only be administered by someone trained as a Certified Sexual Addictions Therapist or Candidate. I offer two treatment approaches at my practice. Pure Desire Ministries Seven Pillars of Freedom Workbook in conjunction with the Concur Series DVD lessons for client’s who want to incorporate biblical principles. I also use Facing the Shadow’s workbook and Recovery Tool Kit by Dr. Patrick Carnes, Ph.D, which is a secular approach. In therapy, the workbooks help to peal back the onion and place language to personal experiences.