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A Review of Behavioral Interventions for Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder

  • Sex Addiction (G Blycker and G Mestre-Bach, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) is a new diagnosis included in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11). Interventions have been developed to address CSBD-related issues. We sought to review findings from recently published behavioral interventions for CSBD.

Recent Findings

Nine clinical trials met criteria for inclusion in our review. Each intervention was associated with decreases in CSBD symptoms. Intervention formats differed considerably. Acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy were the most common overarching conceptual approaches. Most of the studies utilized small samples. Trials with larger samples had significant attrition problems. Of the reviewed studies, no follow-up measurements beyond 6-month post-treatment occurred. Almost all of the samples were comprised of men from Western countries. Four of the nine trials had control conditions (a waitlist in each case).

Summary

While behavioral interventions for CSBD will likely decrease symptoms, future research is needed to ascertain preferred approaches. To address current treatment gaps in the literature, we recommend additional clinical trials utilizing larger/diverse samples with stronger conceptual grounding.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Box 42051, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA

    Nicholas C. Borgogna, Sheila Garos, Cody L. Meyer & Mikaela R. Trussell

  2. Psychology Department at UNLV, CEB 320, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA

    Shane W. Kraus

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Correspondence to Nicholas C. Borgogna.

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Borgogna, N.C., Garos, S., Meyer, C.L. et al. A Review of Behavioral Interventions for Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder. Curr Addict Rep 9, 99–108 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-022-00422-x

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