Research has suggested that a pill could potentially be rolled out in the future to help men with hypersexual disorder (HD).
A new study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that those with HD have higher levels of oxytocin.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hypersexual disorder is an excessive preoccupation with sexual fantasies, urges or behaviours that is difficult to control, causes you distress, or negatively affects your health, job, relationships or other parts of your life.
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Compulsive sexual behaviour may involve a variety of commonly enjoyable sexual experiences. Examples include: masturbation, cybersex, multiple sexual partners, use of pornography or paying for sex.
The sexual behaviours can become a major focus and can be difficult to control which has resulted in some people being unfaithful.
Now research has found that there could be potential solutions to the problem after a number of men were examined.
The research found that hypersexual men (64 were involved in the study) exhibited significantly higher oxytocin plasma levels in comparison to the healthy volunteers (38 men).
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It was also found that patients who completed cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) had a significant reduction of oxytocin plasma levels from pre-treatment to posttreatment.
With the results showing a positive correlation between oxytocin levels and hypersexual behaviour, co-author Dr Andreas Chatzittofis told Newswise: "Oxytocin plays an important role in sex addiction and may be a potential drug target for future pharmacological treatment."
The study explained that this was the 'first report to indicate a role for oxytocin’s involvement in HD and the discovery of oxytocin as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and potential drug target for treatment'.
The CBT included seven modules which were presented in group sessions through lectures and written materials over a period of seven weeks.
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As well as this, blood samples were collected from all study participants which were in line with standard procedures.
For the subgroup of HD-diagnosed patients who underwent the CBGT program, blood samples were also collected following their final CBT session.
Correlational analysis was performed between changes in clinical ratings and plasma oxytocin levels before and after CBT.
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