Ipersessualità: aspetti bio-psico-sociali

Hypersexuality is characterised by fantasies and intrusive thoughts about sex, excessive sexual behaviour and inability to control one’s sexuality, resulting in impaired relational and social life. Although several clinical histories and empirical research consider hypersexuality as a disorder, the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not include hypersexuality as a psychopathological category. From a psychological perspective many factors are associated with hypersexual behaviour. Also, some sexual pathologies, as paraphilias and sexual dysfunctions are also associated. Moreover, hypersexuality is connected with the avoidance of intimate relationships. In this regard, the insecure attachment style is involved. From a biological point of view some evidence suggests that the hypothalamus, amygdala and striatum may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypersexuality. However, the hypersexual behaviour seems also to be regulated by hormonal patterns, with the main involvement of testosterone, and also other hormones as oxytocin. In this article we try to describe the possible biological, psychological and social factors characterising the hypersexual behaviour.