Innovative research sheds light on the aetiology of the condition by studying for the first time the role of oxytocin in hypersexuality disorder in men. The research, published in the prestigious medical journal The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, involves Dr. Andreas Hadjitofis, Psychiatrist and Lecturer in Psychiatry at the University of Cyprus Medical School.
According to a statement, the research was conducted at Karolinska Hospital in Sweden and involved 64 men with hypersexuality disorder compared to healthy volunteers. Patients with hypersexuality had almost twice the blood levels of oxytocin and levels of this hormone were associated with more symptoms of hypersexuality. Subsequently, of the 64 men with hypersexuality, 30 attended a group cognitive behavioural therapy programme for 7 weeks, followed again by measurement of oxytocin. After treatment, their oxytocin levels decreased significantly.
According to the researchers, one possible explanation is that oxytocin levels are elevated as a counteracting mechanism to reduce overactivity of the stress system, which is dysfunctional in these individuals.
As stated, hypersexuality disorder involves elevated, excessive sexual behaviors that are associated with mood disorders, exhibits evidence of impulsivity and loss of control. These sexual behaviors can range from engaging in sexual relations, to masturbation or even fantasies, which cause significant impairment of the individual's functioning. According to international literature, it is estimated to affect 3-6% of the population.
Hypersexuality disorder was officially incorporated into the ICSD-11 international disease classification system as Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in 2018. However, it is reported, there is still a gap in the causes and biological background of hypersexuality disorder, which demonstrates the importance of this new study.
Oxytocin, it is added, is a hormone that is produced in the brain (hypothalamus) and has an important role in various body functions and behaviours such as childbirth, lactation, aggression, "bonding" with other people and stress management.
This study, according to the University of Cyprus' announcement, "is also involved in hypersexuality disorder and provides the impetus for further clinical studies to test potential treatments for hypersexuality disorder."
Source: CNA
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