How do you know if you or a loved one has a sex addiction? This is not an easy question to answer without an assessment from a trained professional. Sex addiction is not the same as infidelity. Affairs do not automatically point to a sex addiction, but relationships with multiple partners can be one sign that you or a loved one has a sex addiction.
At the Relationship Center of South Florida we have the tools and expert training to accurately diagnose and treat sex addiction in its many forms. We also treat the partners of those with a history of sexually obsessive and compulsive behaviors, as well as how the disease impacts the couple and the family.
The diagnostic process to pinpoint and gauge the severity of a sex addiction is comprehensive and objective. PATHOS is a brief self-assessment tool that can help in the process of identifying out-of-control sexual compulsivity.
PATHOS
1. Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts? [Preoccupied]
2. Do you hide some of your sexual behavior from others? [Ashamed]
3. Have you ever sought help for sexual behavior you did not like? [Treatment]
4. Has anyone been hurt emotionally because of your sexual behavior? [Hurt others]
5. Do you ever feel controlled by your sexual desire? [Out of control]
6. When you have sex, do you often feel depressed afterwards? [Sad]
A positive response to just one of these questions indicates the need for additional assessment. Two or more indicates the likelihood of some type of sexual addiction. Honest answers will help you in decision-making moving forward.
This is not a comprehensive assessment, but rather a tool to help determine if more exploration and assessment is called for. Please contact The Relationship Center at 561-955-6090 if you have any questions and would like to speak with a trained sex addiction therapist, or to schedule a consultation for you or a loved one.
