Is sexual addiction a psychological or physical illness

Sexual addiction is usually considered a psychological and behavioral disorder, which involves psychological factors at its core, but may also be related to physical factors such as neurobiology. Sexual addiction is more commonly classified as a psychological and behavioral problem in medicine, characterized by compulsive and uncontrollable impulses towards sexual behavior or fantasies, which persist and interfere with an individual's daily life, social relationships, or work. From a psychological perspective, sex addiction may be related to certain psychological states, such as individuals coping with stress, anxiety, depression, or loneliness through sexual activity, and this behavior pattern gradually forms dependence. Some psychological traits, such as difficulty in impulse control and a tendency to seek novel stimuli, may also increase the risk of developing related behavioral patterns. From a physical perspective, current research indicates that sex addiction is not a traditional organic disease of the body. However, some neurobiological studies suggest that functional changes in neural circuits involved in reward, impulse, and addiction in the brain, such as the dopamine system, may be related to the formation of compulsive behavior. This belongs to the physiological basis research category of physical factors, but it cannot be defined as an independent physical disease yet. The diagnosis and treatment of sexual addiction mainly focus on psychological assessment and behavioral intervention. If an individual or family member becomes aware of uncontrollable sexual impulses that have caused significant distress or functional impairment, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. You can consult a psychiatrist or psychologist for a comprehensive psychological assessment. Treatment usually focuses on psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help identify and change unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns, and learn techniques for coping with impulses. At the same time, establishing a healthy lifestyle, cultivating diverse interests and hobbies, and strengthening physical exercise can help shift attention and manage stress. The understanding and support of family members are also very important in creating a stable and accepting environment together.