Generality
Satyriasis is a form of human hypersexuality, in which a morbid accentuation of sexual impulses is observed.
This condition is manifested by an insatiable and unrestrained desire to have sex or to vent frustration by practicing auto-eroticism . The result is a dependency analogous to that which can be had for any type of drug or for alcohol: if the sexual drive is not satisfied, a state of anxiety can take over.
The exact triggers are not always easily identifiable, but, in most cases, satyriasis depends on an underlying psychic pathology (from borderline personality disorder to depression). Sometimes, however, this form of hypersexuality can be observed following endocrine imbalances or neurological diseases.
Satyriasis can be addressed with the most appropriate treatment for one's case. The most effective interventions for overcoming sexual addiction include drugs and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy pathways .
What's this
In humans, satyriasis is a psychological and behavioral disorder, in which an exaggerated accentuation of sexual activity occurs, both in frequency and in intensity .
Also called satirism, this condition is accompanied by a complete loss of inhibitions and a morbid desire or thought to have a relationship, such as to assume pathological characteristics. In the most severe cases, the disorder turns into a real addiction: the sexual act is practiced not to feel pleasure or to reproduce, but simply to calm anxiety, just like drugs do.
This form of hypersexuality (or sexual addiction) is the masculine equivalent of nymphomania .
Satyriasis and Priapism: differences
In the past, satyriasis was mistakenly understood as synonymous with priapism . In reality, these are very different conditions. Priapism is a pathological situation characterized by a persistent erection of the penis, often accompanied by pain, caused by irritations of the urethra, traumas, infections and the use of drugs.
Causes
The exact causes of satyriasis are not always easily identifiable, just as the etiology of many other sexual behaviors that differ from the norm is. Only in some cases, it is possible to attribute the origin of the disorder to traumas or psychic-type pathologies (neurosis, obsessive compulsive disorder, behavior disorders, etc.).
Does it depend on a mental disorder?
Satyriasis is not included in the diseases described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), since in the scientific and specialist community no consensus has been reached on how to interpret this disorder.
According to some clinicians, this disorder could be defined as an addiction, like alcoholism and drug addiction; in this case, the sexual act would be used to manage stress or to control the personality and mood disorders affecting the patient.
Other experts, on the other hand, understand satyriasis as a perversion or a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, referring to this condition as a sexual compulsion .
In the ICD classification (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) prepared by the World Health Organization, satyriasis is indicated as a subtype of hypersexuality .
Other triggers
Satyriasis could also be interpreted as the product of environmental factors, cultural prejudices and other contexts, such as abuse or exposure to sexual content . For example, facilitated access to pornography via the Internet would seem to have an influence on the increase in cases of sexual addiction.
Associated or concomitant disorders
Satyriasis is frequently observed as a symptom of neurosis or in the context of manic syndromes . In practice, to external sexual stimuli there is an excitement that does not lead to satisfaction, once the act is completed; therefore, people suffering from satyriasis feel pushed to repeat the behavior, showing an unbridled impulse to sexuality.
In some cases, satyriasis is found due to a pathological excitement of an endocrine nature (ie it depends on a hormonal imbalance) or it can occur following nervous alterations . This form of hypersexuality can also be found in oligophrenic subjects (note: oligophrenia means a state of mental deficiency of a very high, congenital or hereditary degree).
Symptoms and Complications
The manifestations associated with satyriasis can be manifold, but they do not necessarily occur in the same way in all subjects. These symptoms can also be more or less accentuated depending on the severity and type of sexual behavior.
In general, satyriasis is manifested by a pathological impulse to have sexual relations . Even after reaching orgasm, the subject who suffers from it never feels satisfied . As a result, he needs to look for a new sexual partner to try to satisfy his chronic drive insatiability. Satyriasis is accompanied by the complete loss of inhibitions and the lack of consideration of the partner, which is devalued to a simple sexual object . Over time, the disorder leads to the deterioration of social relations, the difficulty of falling in love and the attraction and affective saturation.
Curiosity
The term " satyriasis " derives from " satyr ", a minor deity of Greek mythology to which a certain sexual drive is attributed.
Satyriasis: how to recognize it
Satyriasis involves an attitude of man to be ready to have sex, in any place and with any partner. The first signs of the disorder can come with the lack of inhibitory brakes and the unstoppable sex drive . Alternatively, satyriasis finds expression in masturbation (sometimes, compulsive), exhibitionism and voyeurism .
In some cases, satyriasis is progressive, increasing in intensity, until a form of sexual saturation is reached. Other times, the satiriasis induces those who suffer to vary the usual sexual relationships: in order to satisfy their drive, the subject searches more and more intensely for perverse sexual relations or recreates an obscene pattern with his partner.
Possible consequences
Satyriasis can compromise emotional and relational relationships (even gradually), influencing the daily and social activities of the individual. Over time, the subject may be unable to have healthy and stable romantic relationships.
Among the consequences induced by satyriasis include stress, nervous exhaustion, decreased physical performance, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, poor concentration in work and decreased cognitive skills (such as creativity).
The subject suffering from satyriasis can also manifest personality and mood disorders, such as:
- Anxiety;
- Oppression and frustration;
- Apathy and depression;
- Fall of self-esteem (self-depreciation);
- Sadness;
- Aggression;
- Restlessness;
- Social isolation.
Over time, physical consequences may also occur , such as sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia, delayed or premature ejaculation, etc.) or venereal diseases .
In some patients, satyriasis reaches its peak and becomes unmanageable, since from the intimate sphere it passes to the public sphere, with obscene acts in public places or sexual harassment that can lead to an infringement of the law.
Diagnosis
Satyriasis must be contextualized with a psychological-psychiatric support . The diagnostic criteria are similar to those suggested by the DSM for other dependencies.
Preliminary evaluation is essential to understand the reasons behind one's own discomfort and to frame the problem within the subject's life history, identifying its meaning and quantifying its scope. This also makes it possible to establish which therapies are most appropriate and in which combinations.
Therapy and Remedies
Depending on the severity of the clinical picture, satyriasis can be tackled with different therapeutic options, even in combination with each other. These approaches include social rehabilitation, management of coexisting mental and physical disorders (eg depression, personality disorders, etc.) and drug therapies. In extreme cases, satyriasis can also be cured by hospitalization in specialized clinics.
Psychotherapy
Satyriasis is usually addressed through individual or group psychotherapy . The treatment aims to return the subject to having a healthy relationship with sexuality, overcoming the dependence on the uncontrollable need to practice and think about sex. Psychotherapy is also useful for improving intimate relationships, improving mutual satisfaction between partners.
Group psychotherapeutic interventions are implemented to alleviate the feelings of guilt associated with hypersexual behavior and to support the subject suffering from satyriasis in pursuing the prescribed drug therapy.
drugs
For the most serious cases of satyriasis, pharmacological treatment can be combined with psychotherapeutic interventions. Medicines are also prescribed to control the symptoms of associated diseases, such as depression and anxiety, such as: benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Sometimes, pharmacological therapies can be prescribed that can reduce libido (usually based on antiandrogens).
