I’ve experienced hypersexuality as part of bipolar disorder. Now, I’m not one to run about and have sex with everything that moves (but it’s okay if you are), so, luckily, this symptom of bipolar has not hurt me (although it has affected me). That said, hypersexuality is a real bipolar symptom with real consequences for people. One of the problems with hypersexuality, though, is that it is about sex. People have issues talking openly about sex, particularly in a sex-positive way. But this isn’t helpful to those who have experienced hypersexuality. So, for a moment, let’s openly talk about hypersexuality — just another bipolar symptom.

What Is Hypersexuality in Bipolar Disorder?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, hypersexuality is defined as:

“exhibiting unusual or excessive concern with or indulgence in sexual activity”

However, the Mayo Clinic says this about hypersexuality:

“Compulsive sexual behavior is sometimes called hypersexuality, hypersexuality disorder or sexual addiction. It’s an excessive preoccupation with sexual fantasies, urges or behaviors that is difficult to control, causes you distress, or negatively affects your health, job, relationships or other parts of your life.”

To be honest, I tend to think of it as the first definition, but there’s no doubt that feeling compelled can be a part of mania or hypomania, and that can interact with sexual desire.

When it comes to bipolar disorder, the two following symptoms from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) are the ones that have to do with a desire for sex (as hypersexuality as a term is not mentioned):

  • Increased level of goal-focused activity at home, at work, or sexually
  • Excessive pleasurable activities, often with painful consequences

It’s worth noting that these two symptoms do fit best with the Merriam-Webster definition of hypersexuality.

Statistics and Facts About Hypersexuality in Bipolar Disorder

There aren’t actually that many accepted statistics about hypersexuality in bipolar disorder because not enough research has been done on it. In fact, mostly small studies seem available. To make matters more complicated, different terminology is used when talking about sex and bipolar disorder. Sometimes the term “hypersexuality” is explicitly used, and sometimes it isn’t.

Here’s what I’ve found, though, with regard to facts and statistics about hypersexuality in bipolar disorder (all from here):

  • Forty percent of the bipolar I and II patients reported elevated sexuality as an enduring interepisodic trait.
  • Bipolar I patients placed more value on sex, had more interest in sex, and desired and engaged in intercourse more frequently than bipolar II or comparison patients.
  • In a retrospective chart review study of 1,000 Bipolar II patients, it was found that 40 percent of cyclothymic patients had “episodic or unexplained promiscuity or extramarital affairs” and that bipolar II patients manifested diverse types of sexual excess, including sexual infidelity, overt bisexuality, and sexual activity many times per day.
  • Sixty-five percent of manic episodes were characterized by increased sexuality, evenly divided between those in committed and noncommitted relationships.
  • Bipolar patients were more likely to report sexual experiences that may be described as nontraditional than were the comparison subjects.

So, we tend to be a sexual bunch, which is okay.

I should note at this point that there have been negative results in regard to bipolar disorder and hypersexuality, too. So, things that one might expect to find in hypersexuality are sometimes missing in people with bipolar disorder. This is usually the case when the numbers in the study are small. It does point out the continued importance of understanding that we are all different, however.

Hypersexuality and Bipolar Disorder — The Lowdown

In this video, I talk about bipolar and hypersexuality — including what to do if you experience this symptom.

What I think is critical to understand is there is nothing wrong with anyone for being sexual or even hypersexual. It only becomes an issue when it’s a problem for you. If hypersexuality makes you masturbate twice every day, but it doesn’t interrupt your life or cause any harm, then that might be okay with you. If hypersexuality is causing fights between you and your partner or if you’re taking sexual risks with strangers with which you are not comfortable, then that might not be okay with you. It’s important to understand the difference between these two things. Sexuality is not bad, but harm being caused by it is bad.

And, as I said in the video, you need to tell a doctor about hypersexuality if it’s a problematic symptom you experience. You are not the only one who has experienced hypersexuality — far from it — so whatever you have to say, the doctor will have heard before. Try to squelch any embarrassment you may feel because it’s just not warranted. Remember, much of what you’re feeling around hypersexuality may be related to stigma — and that’s something we need to fight in ourselves and others.

Don’t let a bipolar symptom barge in a ruin your life. Take control. Be open about the issue. Get treatment. Get therapy. Make a plan for how to handle it ahead of time. And know that the symptom is not your fault, but handling it is your responsibility.