The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized sex addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behavior, as a mental disorder and included it in their catalog of diseases. However, the WHO does not equate sex addiction with gambling or drug addiction, as there is still a lack of evidence to suggest that the course of the addiction is similar to that of alcohol, nicotine, or heroin. People who suffer from sex addiction, also referred to as the Tiger Woods Syndrome, experience compulsive sexual desires and may feel unable to control their behavior, causing them significant distress.
The inclusion of sex addiction in the disease catalog now requires medical diagnoses and insurance coverage. However, according to WHO expert Geoffrey Reed, compulsive sexual behavior is not an excuse for sexual abuse or rape. “The official classification as a disease does not excuse sexual abuse or rape. In these cases, a clear decision is made to act criminally,” he said. Nevertheless, sex addiction can lead to compulsive infidelity, as was the case with professional golfer Tiger Woods, who publicly admitted to being a sex addict and confessed to cheating on his wife with at least 14 women. As a result, sex addiction is also informally referred to as the Tiger Woods Syndrome.
While the recognition of sex addiction as a mental disorder is a step forward in understanding and treating the condition, there is still much to learn about its causes and treatment options. The WHO’s decision to include sex addiction in their catalog of diseases highlights the need for further research and resources to help those who suffer from this disorder.
