[glowsinthedark]

does hypersexuality just mean you want more sex? or can it also mean you just feel more sexual (more sexually attractive, confident, flirtatious, etc.)? I hardly ever actually want sex more or less than 'usual.' what changes a lot is my desire to be noticed, to go out and get attention, to be seductive, wanted etc. I also feel much less inhibited and more aggressive. i really get off on the excitement of attraction but the thought of following through doesn't interest me at all. would this still be considered hypersexual, despite no increase in actual sexual activity (or desire for it)?

I've always interpreted hypersexuality as "increased interest" in sex. However, having an increased interest in sex does not imply that you actually want to have less or more sex. I believe some people turn to porn, dress more seductively, masturbate, etc

I've never had hypersexuality, or at least I don't think, but that's my interpretation

Sexual addiction or hypersexuality is defined as a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasy, often in combination with the obsessive pursuit of casual or non-intimate sex; pornography; compulsive masturbation; romantic intensity and objectified partner sex for a period of at least six months.

Does that describe you?

[glowsinthedark]

Originally Posted by neodk

Sexual addiction or hypersexuality is defined as a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasy, often in combination with the obsessive pursuit of casual or non-intimate sex; pornography; compulsive masturbation; romantic intensity and objectified partner sex for a period of at least six months.

Does that describe you?

This quote is confusing to me. From what I understand, hypersexuality in the context of bipolar does not qualify someone as a sex addict...

But when someone with bipolar disorder is having a manic episode, risky, reckless sexual behaviors and significantly increased sex drive are quite common. Hypersexual behavior is often a warning sign of a manic episode

Bipolar Disorder: When Sexuality Is in Overdrive - Bipolar Disorder Center - Everyday Health

When I'm manic...

Risky sexual behavior? Check
Increase sex drive? Check

I tried tireless to "hook up" with strangers before I was medicated. When that wouldn't work, I went to prostitution. I still cannot believe I did that. On top of it, it felt like an almost out of body experience where I knew what I was doing but was compelled not to stop.

[Daonnachd]

What Glowsinthedark describes almost sounds like grandiosity of a sexual nature. Not that that's a clinical definition, just my perspective.

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by neodk

But when someone with bipolar disorder is having a manic episode, risky, reckless sexual behaviors and significantly increased sex drive are quite common. Hypersexual behavior is often a warning sign of a manic episode

Bipolar Disorder: When Sexuality Is in Overdrive - Bipolar Disorder Center - Everyday Health

When I'm manic...

Risky sexual behavior? Check
Increase sex drive? Check

I tried tireless to "hook up" with strangers before I was medicated. When that wouldn't work, I went to prostitution. I still cannot believe I did that. On top of it, it felt like an almost out of body experience where I knew what I was doing but was compelled not to stop.

I've done that pre-diagnosis. Went on a one-night stand with someone i met online and had unprotected sex in the back of his truck.

[19J82]

For me it's a massive increase in my interest in sex, and also a massive shift in risk taking sexual behaviour. When I'm euthymic, I probably have a slightly lower than normal sex drive and I'm only interested in my wife (soon to be ex).
If the hyper-sexuality is there then I'm looking for anyone and everyone to sleep with and have hooked up with many women and couples that I've met online and offline. I also start looking at increasingly risky material online that I would otherwise be repulsed by, but if the hyper-sexuality's there then it's fair game. To me it's like living in a world with no consequences and any behaviour is acceptable.
Unfortunately the risk taking element of hyper-sexuality can be incredibly destructive as I have found out first hand. I have the bad luck of being afflicted with extreme hyper-sexuality and exorbitant spending when manic/hypomanic.
Unfortunately the hyper-sexuality has gotten me into serious legal trouble, although it was also the catalyst for me getting my diagnosis last year.
My advice is to speak to a pdoc if you're even slightly concerned about your sexual behaviour, try and get on top of it before it becomes destructive.