HPA Axis Dysregulation in Men with Hypersexual Disorder
AUTHOR(S)
PUBLISHED
2016 in Psychoneuroendocrinology, Vol. 63, pp. 247-253
KEY FINDINGS
- Men with hypersexual disorder had higher rate of DST non-suppression and higher DST-ACTH levels compared to controls - this is similar to findings with substance addictions.
ABSTRACT
Hypersexual disorder integrating pathophysiological aspects such as sexual desire deregulation, sexual addiction, impulsivity and compulsivity was suggested as a diagnosis for the DSM-5. However, little is known about the neurobiology behind this disorder. A dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis has been shown in psychiatric disorders but has not been investigated in hypersexual disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of the HPA axis in hypersexual disorder. The study includes... READ FULL ABSTRACT
EXCERPTS
- "Looking at hypersexual disorder from the addiction model, it is known that the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is one of the systems involved in the addiction process. HPA axis becomes hyperactive with increased ACTH levels due to the chronic use of drugs and the CRF has a central role mediating negative affective responses to stress during drug withdrawal. Consequently, the new allostatic state leads to craving and relapse. Similarly, higher ACTH and a hyperactive HPA axis in patients with hypersexual disorder may lead to craving and maintain hypersexual behavior in an effort to compensate for a dysphoric emotional state."
