A comparative study of nonparaphilic sexual addictions and paraphilias in men (1992)

J Clin Psychiatry. 1992 Oct;53(10):345-50.

Kafka MP1, Prentky R.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A definition of nonparaphilic sexual addiction (NPSA) is offered and the literature suggesting comorbidity between NPSA and paraphilias (PAs) is reviewed. We describe a study to clarify the relationship between NPSA and PA.

METHOD:

Thirty consecutive male respondents to an advertisement (PA: N = 15; NPSA: N = 15) were evaluated. The frequency of sexual behaviors, total sexual outlet, intensity of sexual desire, time spent in unconventional sexual behaviors, and a total sexual interest ratio were measured. Group differences were statistically examined using the Fisher’s exact probability test (one-tailed). Concomitant psychological, social, work, financial, legal, and medical sequelae were ascertained.

RESULTS:

The most prevalent lifetime sexual behaviors in both groups were NPSAs, especially compulsive masturbation, ego-dystonic promiscuity, and dependence on pornography. Mean total sexual outlet in both groups was approximately three times that of a comparable “normal” male sample. Components of total sexual outlet were reported in a nonnormative distribution pattern, and NPSA/PA sexual behaviors eclipsed conventional sexual activities in all measures. Group differences in measures of sexual behavior frequency, intensity, and time consumed by these behaviors were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION:

The cormorbid presence of multiple NPSAs in 93% of the paraphilic men accompanied by comparable sexual and psychosocial sequelae suggests that NPSAs may represent a culturally adapted form of psychopathology that can also be manifested as PAs. A definition of hypersexual desire is offered, and a relationship between hypersexual desire and unconventional sexual outlet is suggested.

PMID: 1429473