Hypersexuality & Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the Connection

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings ranging from manic to depressive episodes.³ These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Bipolar disorder exists as bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, rapid cycling bipolar, bipolar with mixed features, bipolar with seasonal pattern, and unspecified bipolar.⁴ Each type varies in severity and patterns of manic and depressive episodes, and symptoms of bipolar can manifest differently across individuals.

What Is Hypersexuality?

Hypersexuality (nymphomania, satyriasis, erotomania, or hyperphilia) is an intense and excessive preoccupation with sexual thoughts, fantasies, or behaviors.⁵ Individuals often experience heightened sex drive that exceeds societal norms, possibly resulting in impulsive or risky sexual behavior.

Is Hypersexuality a Sex Addiction?

Sex addiction is a compulsive and uncontrollable pattern of sexual behavior that interferes with daily functioning and causes distress. Those with sex addiction obsess over sexual thoughts, engage in repetitive sexual activities, and struggle to control or stop these behaviors.

While hypersexuality and sex addiction share similarities, they are different. Hypersexuality is a symptom often associated with bipolar disorder, whereas sex addiction is considered a behavioral addiction.

How Are Hypersexuality & Bipolar Connected?

People with bipolar disorder may experience a heightened sense of sexuality during manic episodes, manifesting as increased sexual thoughts, desires, and engagement in risky sexual behaviors. The exact cause of hypersexuality in bipolar disorder is not fully understood but may be associated with altered brain chemistry and reward pathways involved in manic episodes. The release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters, including dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin, creates a pleasurable sensation perceived as significantly more enjoyable than other more painful practices. Besides occurring during manic or hypomanic episodes, bipolar hypersexuality is relatively common during periods of depression or anxiety as a way to experience symptom relief.³

Hypersexuality in bipolar disorder may exhibit as:

• Engaging in sexual activities with multiple different partners
• Constant preoccupation with sexual thoughts
• Frequent involvement in one-night stands or casual sexual encounters
• Excessive use of pornography or engaging in cybersex
• Engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex or sex with strangers
• Compulsive masturbation or excessive sexual self-stimulation
• Pursuing extramarital affairs or engaging in infidelity

Bipolar Hypersexuality & Related Conditions

There is a strong association between substance abuse and bipolar disorder.^6,7 Substance use can and does exacerbate the symptoms of bipolar disorder, leading to more frequent and severe mood swings. Stimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can mimic symptoms of mania, exacerbating elevated mood and energy levels. Furthermore, alcohol and other substances can impair judgment and lower inhibitions, contributing to poor decision-making and intensified hypersexuality in individuals with bipolar disorder.

9 Tips to Manage Bipolar Hypersexuality Triggers

Managing hypersexuality with bipolar disorder is crucial to living balanced and fulfilling lives. Bipolar hypersexuality can lead to risky behaviors, strained relationships, and other potential consequences. Individuals can regain control, reduce impulsive actions, and maintain healthier relationships when they address hypersexual behavior.

Living well with bipolar disorder often involves a comprehensive approach that includes medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to lower your sex drive. Self-care practices and open communication with healthcare providers and support networks are also helpful.

Nine tips for managing bipolar hypersexuality include:

1. Recognize Your Triggers

Identify the specific situations, emotions, or experiences that often lead to hypersexuality episodes. Understanding what triggers bipolar hypersexuality can help you anticipate and manage symptoms effectively.

2. Practice Self-Care

Prioritize self-care activities that promote overall well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, and regular sleep. These activities can help regulate your mood, reduce stress, and provide alternative outlets for managing hypersexuality.

3. Establish a Stable Routine

Maintaining a consistent daily routine can provide stability and structure, reducing the likelihood of impulsive behaviors. Set regular sleep patterns, mealtimes, and activities to help regulate mood and minimize hypersexuality triggers.

4. Build a Support Network

Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or mental health professionals who understand your condition. They can offer guidance, encouragement, and accountability during challenging times. Support groups such as Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (S.L.A.A.) may also prove especially worthwhile.

5. Openly Communicate About Your Condition

Communicate with your partner about your condition and the challenges you face. Discuss boundaries, triggers, and strategies to manage hypersexuality together, fostering understanding and mutual support.

Part of why bipolar disorder relationships fail is a lack of communication or perhaps even dishonesty. While hypersexuality is a difficult topic to discuss, transparency is essential. Lack of communication may lead to misunderstandings, strain the relationship, and contribute to its failure. Healthy communication can also help prevent sexual coercion, as partners can ensure that all sexual interactions are consensual and respect each other’s boundaries.

6. Create a Safety Plan

Develop a safety plan with your mental health provider, outlining steps to take during hypersexuality episodes. This plan can include emergency contacts, coping strategies, and reminders of your goals and values.

7. Stay Consistent With Treatment

Work closely with your healthcare provider to find appropriate medications that help stabilize your moods and manage hypersexuality symptoms. Adhering to prescribed medication regimens is crucial for maintaining balance.

8. Set Boundaries About Sexual Behavior

Communicate your own needs, boundaries, and expectations regarding sexual activity with your partner. Discuss what you are comfortable with and what might be triggering for you.

9. Develop Strategies for Management With Your Partner

Allow your partner to share their perspective without interruption. Bipolar hypersexuality can be challenging for both partners, so work together to find strategies and compromises that cater to both partners’ needs. Consider exploring new ways to manage hypersexuality or finding alternative outlets for sexual energy.

Treatment for Bipolar With Hypersexuality

Effectively treating bipolar disorder can help limit manic episodes and problematic hypersexuality. Treatment for bipolar typically includes a combination of mood-stabilizing medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

While there is no known cure for bipolar disorder, proper treatment can help individuals achieve symptom remission, stabilize moods, and reduce the frequency and intensity of manic episodes. Treating bipolar is of utmost importance as it enables individuals to regain control over their lives, maintain stable relationships, improve overall functioning, and reduce the risk of impulsive behaviors associated with hypersexuality.

Treatment for bipolar with hypersexuality may include

• Medication: Medication for bipolar, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, can help stabilize mood, reduce manic episodes, and alleviate depressive symptoms. Medication adherence is crucial in managing bipolar disorder effectively.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for bipolar helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. Clients learn to develop coping skills, manage stress, and improve overall mood regulation.
• Mindfulness-based therapies: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can help individuals learn and develop skills for managing stress, regulating emotions, and enhancing overall well-being.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a comprehensive therapy that combines elements of CBT and mindfulness. It focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): IPSRT was designed to treat bipolar disorder and aims to stabilize daily routines and regulate social rhythms to establish a consistent sleep-wake schedule.

In My Experience

In my experience, hypersexuality is a symptom of bipolar disorder that can be managed and addressed. Through medication, therapy, open communication, and lifestyle adjustments, individuals with bipolar disorder can regain control over their sexual behaviors and the bipolar condition itself. Seeking professional help, involving supportive partners or loved ones, and actively participating in the treatment process can make a significant difference in managing hypersexuality and achieving overall stability. Always remember, you and your loved ones are worth it. Help is there whenever you need and want it.