What do sex addicts and people with gambling disorder have in common? A team of scientists from Spain recently looked at the similarities and differences between the two groups.
Over an 8-year period, they collected data from 2,342 people, mostly men with an average age of 42. Fifty-nine patients were being treated for sex addiction and 2,190 were in treatment for gambling disorder. The remaining 93 people did not have addiction problems. Their data was used for comparison.
==================================================
Sex addicts and gambling addicts share some common traits. (Click to tweet)
==================================================
All of the participants had face-to-face interviews with researchers and completed questionnaires.
Results for the participants with sex addiction and gambling disorder were quite similar. These two groups shared traits such as depression, anxiety, and hostility, which were not found to the same degree in the healthy control group. The treatment groups were also more likely to feel psychological distress.
However, the sex addiction group tended to have a higher level of education and higher socioeconomic status. Also, they generally scored lower on assessments of novelty-seeking, harm avoidance, persistence, and cooperativeness.
These findings may help doctors and addiction specialists better understand the characteristics of both sex addicts and patients with gambling disorder.
To learn more about sex addiction, please see the following links:
Study Examines Brain Activity of Sex Addicts
Resources
Comprehensive Psychiatry
Farré, J.M., et al.
“Sex addiction and gambling disorder: similarities and differences”
(Abstract. January 2015)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25459420
Family Practice News
Moon, Mary Ann
“Sex addiction, gambling disorder share similarities”
(January 27, 2015)
http://www.familypracticenews.com/single-article/sex-addiction-gambling-disorder-share-similarities/27089b5ee37126ecbf8b514845ceb9b2.html
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.