[citation needed] The term largely exists in a colloquial sense and is not presently classified as a disorder in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual.
[1] In the view of some practitioners, corroborating the work of Patrick Carnes, there are people who appear to have a sexual addiction which is expressed through a variety of behaviors such as the compulsive use of strip clubs, prostitutes, porn sites, etc.
Nonetheless, the data for sex addicts and sexual anorexics draw many similarities in terms of family, abuse, and medical history.
[6] The concept of sexual anorexia was first mentioned by psychologist Nathan Hare in his 1975 dissertation at the California School of Professional Psychology.
[12] Treatment may be aimed at helping the person see where their fears lie and to see the world in less black and white terms, and the patient may be encouraged to take calculated risks with social activities.
This is an issue that requires ongoing treatment in planned stages with the end goal of autonomy, independence, and improved social relationships.