Why it's important to recognize compulsive sexual behavior disorder | Casper Schmidt | TEDxAarhus

Summary

This transcript discusses Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (cSPD), a condition recently recognized by the World Health Organization. Through an example of escalating inappropriate behavior, the speaker highlights how addiction to pornography can negatively impact lives. The disorder is linked to changes in brain structures like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, reducing self-control and increasing sensitivity to sexual stimuli. The inclusion of cSPD in diagnostic manuals offers hope for better treatment and less stigmatization, paralleling progress made in other addictive disorders like gambling addiction.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) is a condition where individuals cannot control their sexual urges, leading to personal, social, and occupational dysfunction.
• 🆕 CSBD was officially recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization in 2018, after research showed brain changes associated with the disorder.
• 📈 The accessibility of pornography has significantly increased with the internet, making it a major contributor to the development of CSBD.
• 🌐 Denmark's statistics show that pornographic websites are among the most visited, highlighting the global scale of pornography consumption.
• 🚨 A significant percentage of the population, particularly men, may watch more pornography than they intend to, indicating a potential for addiction.
• 🧠 Neuroscientific studies have found that individuals with CSBD have an enlarged amygdala and reduced connections to the prefrontal cortex, affecting their ability to control sexual behaviors.
• 🔄 There is a parallel between CSBD and other addictions like gambling disorder, suggesting a shared neurobiological basis for addiction.
• ✅ The formal recognition of CSBD as a diagnosable condition will lead to better treatment options and reduced stigma for those affected.
• 🌟 The inclusion of CSBD in diagnostic manuals will help raise awareness among healthcare professionals and improve the chances of successful treatment.
• 🤝 The collaboration between research and clinical practice is crucial for understanding and treating CSBD, with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of those suffering from the disorder.

Q & A

What is Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD)?

Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) is a condition where an individual cannot stop engaging in sexual behaviors, often involving pornography, which leads to personal, social, and occupational dysfunctioning to the extent that it becomes difficult to lead a normal life.

When was CSBD officially recognized as a disorder by the World Health Organization?

CSBD was officially recognized as a disorder by the World Health Organization in 2018, when it was included in their list of diseases.

What is the significance of CSBD being included in the World Health Organization's list of diseases?

The inclusion of CSBD in the WHO's list of diseases signifies that it is now formally recognized as a diagnosable condition. This can lead to better treatment options, reduced stigmatization, and increased awareness among medical professionals.

What role does the amygdala play in individuals with CSBD?

In individuals with CSBD, the amygdala, a region of the brain involved in emotional processing and emotional salience, is often enlarged. This enlargement, along with reduced connections to the prefrontal cortex, may contribute to a shift towards more instinctive behavior and less control over sexual actions.

How does the prefrontal cortex's involvement affect individuals with CSBD?

The prefrontal cortex, often referred to as the 'boss of the brain,' is responsible for exerting conscious control over actions and behavior. In CSBD, the connections between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex are reduced, which may result in less control over compulsive sexual behaviors.

What is the prevalence of CSBD in the adult population according to the script?

It is estimated that 3 to 6 percent of the adult population in the West suffers from CSBD.

How has the accessibility of pornography changed over the past two decades as mentioned in the script?

Twenty years ago, accessing pornography required physical effort such as visiting a store to rent a video or buy a magazine. In contrast, by 2009, two of the top ten most visited websites in Denmark were pornographic, indicating a significant increase in easy and immediate online access to such material.

What is the reported percentage of children under 12 who regularly watch pornography according to a British survey mentioned in the script?

According to a British survey mentioned in the script, 12% of children below the age of 12 regularly watch pornography.

What does the script suggest about the overlap between CSBD and other addictive disorders?

The script suggests that there is an overlap between CSBD and other addictive disorders such as gambling disorder, where individuals with these conditions are hypersensitive to their respective rewards, be it sexual or monetary.

How has the recognition of gambling disorder as an official diagnosis impacted treatment outcomes, according to the script?

Since gambling disorder was included in diagnostic manuals, 85% of gamblers in Denmark are reportedly in remission one year after treatment, indicating that formal recognition can significantly improve treatment success rates.

What is the importance of individual reports of suffering in advancing research and treatment for CSBD?

Individual reports of suffering are crucial as they bring attention to the phenomenon, prompting clinicians and scientists to initiate research, which in turn can lead to better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of CSBD.