Сексуалдық анорексия: себептері мен көріністері

Informal term for sexual aversion

Sexual anorexia is a term coined in 1975 by psychologist Nathan Hare to describe a fear of or deep aversion to sexual activity. It is considered a loss of "appetite" for sexual contact, and may result in a fear of intimacy or an aversion to any type of sexual interaction. The term largely exists in a colloquial sense and is not presently classified as a disorder in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual. In comparing sexual anorexia to anorexia nervosa, some psychologists suggest that the two disorders share four main characteristics: control, fear, anger, and justification.

Very few studies have been conducted to investigate the specific diagnostic patterns or criteria regarding sexual anorexia. However, one study conducted by Patrick Carnes found that many of his patients diagnosed with sexual anorexia also had a history of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, other compulsive or addictive problems such as substance abuse, or a family history of addiction. However, only early treatment data was used, and the sample size was very limited. A crossover between the two disorders consists of a deep fear of relationship and/or interactions with others, which for a socially anxious individual might manifest in a complete avoidance of all social interaction, including sexual interaction. Sexual anorexics may experience similar symptoms that are perhaps isolated to their sexual interactions, or the two conditions may be co morbid. The term was widely popularized in psychologist Patrick Carnes' book Sexual Anorexia: Overcoming Sexual Self Hatred, published in 1997. More recently, Julia Hare has used it in the book The Sexual and Political Anorexia of the Black Woman in June 2008.

One of the main symptoms of the sexual anorexic is a lack of sexual desire. Fear or avoidance of sexual activity is also a characteristic of sexual anorexia a sexual anorexic may want to or be willing to have sex, but not be able to proceed when faced with a sexual encounter due to fear or anxiety. Other symptoms of sexual anorexia may include: a preoccupation, sometimes to the point of obsession, with sexual matters, an uncontrollable avoidance of sex, shame regarding sexual experiences, and negative attitudes about sexual activity or body image.

There are many potential factors which can result in an avoidance of sexual intimacy. Physical problems resulting from exhaustion, hormone imbalances, medication use, and emotional complications resulting from rape, sexual abuse, problems with communication, or power imbalances between partners can cause sexual anorexia. Sexual anorexia can affect both men and women.

Among the most well documented cases of sexual anorexia are those linked to sexual assault (especially assault which occurs in childhood) and unhealthy body images. A strong feeling of aversion toward sex may be a response to earlier trauma or abuse.

Sexual anorexics may be able to be treated by healthcare professionals, sex therapists, or mental health counselors.