Hypersexuality and Hyposexuality in Bipolar Disorder

Jan 20, 2011
Daphne Matthews

People who suffer from Bipolar Disorder often have hyposexuality during their crash periods and hypersexuality during their manic periods.

Sexuality is something that all people deal with in various degrees. However, someone who suffers from Bipolar Disorder may have more severe extremes.

Hypersexuality

While in a manic state, someone who suffers from Bipolar Disorder may also suffer from hypersexuality. This is a “condition in which there is an excessive or insatiable need for sexual activity with little or no emotion satisfaction and little or no sexual gratification,” according to Sexual Definitions on Sex-Lexis.com.

Hypersexuality is increased during a bipolar manic state when a person feels like they are superhuman and nothing can hurt them. Sexual promiscuity and infidelities are often the result of this manic state and the hypersexuality combined. Loved ones must remember that there is little the suffer can do to stop their behavior.

Hypersexuality acts just like a drug in the system of an abuser. The idea of the sexual encounter brings a high that will lead the suffer to travel great distances to be with someone they deem okay or to pick up a total stranger at a bar for a one night stand when they have never done this before. Sometimes the sex act actually increases the “high” and as the sufferer crashes from the manic state moves into a great depression realizing what they have done.

Hypersexuality can also lead to life threatening behaviors as the chance of having sex with someone who is infected with AIDS, or for that matter any sexual disease, increases dramatically. Because the sufferer feels superhuman, they feel no need to practice safe sex and often don’t even take their birth control pills which can lead to an unplanned pregnancy.

Hyposexuality

Hyposexuality is the exact opposite with a total lack of sex interest. This can lead to failed relationships with former sexual partners who feel like they are no longer wanted or loved. This can also lead to a feeling of depression. That’s a catch 22, though. Depression can be a cause for hyposexuality which can cause greater depression. Therefore, hyposexuality should be treated by a doctor just as Hypersexuality should.

The depression and loss of relationships can lead to other problems as well. Those who are depressed have more physical illnesses and need to see a doctor more often. Buying the medications and paying doctor bills can lead to financial hardship.

Getting Help

Anyone who suffers from symptoms of Bipolar Disorder needs to be under a doctor’s care. When symptoms of hypersexuality or hyposexuality appear, the doctor needs to be aware so that he can help get the sufferer through the tough times. There are medications and therapies that can help maintain a healthy sex life in those with Bipolar Disorder. Doctors can also help explain to loved ones the behaviors that can hurt relationships.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.

Read more at Suite101: A Bipolar Diagnosis Can be Difficult but Essential

Daphne Matthews - Author

Comments

Jan 20, 2011 8:44 PM

Guest :

After my divorce , during which time I expeirenced an inhuman depression fueled by physical and emotional rejection by a women I loved more that the human mind is capable of grasping my symtoms of Bipolar Disorder escalated and gradually cultivated into an animal all its own The first 6 months after the initial seperation from the x wife I had no sexual contact and really never had any reciprical emotional interaction , and certainly not anyone who understood .... Then the year or so period following that 6 months of solitude I lost all touch with reality , lost all , sense of boundary and had completely uninhibited sexual interactions of all manner with possibly 60-70 women , in adition to further risque experiementation , the challenge of the chase , the incredible release of the act itself was ofcourse always a burst of adrenalin a sense of reward or conquest , then followed by a sense of numbness , further yet disconnection , and each and every time the experience was awash in a sense of loss from the loss of my wife and a desprete attempt to match or replace that feeling fill that emty viod that even today and likely forever will exist in my heart and soul . Oh these days the Seroquel and Lithium help .....