This is a difficult question. What is considered normal or abnormal is subjective given the person who is answering the question. The DSM-IV-TR lists a set of paraphilias that is considered by the medical community as problematic sexual behavior. However, there is even debate among professionals and the population as to whether some of the paraphilias should even be listed such as Masochism and Sadism, as people in the BDSM community would explain that this is a lifestyle and/or a normal sexual variation.
First, we must define what is healthy sexuality. The briefest definition is that sex is a consensual act between adults. Beyond that, the possibilities are limitless as long as each person involved is comfortable with the acts that are taking place.
What makes sex abnormal or problematic? In the mental health community, we consider the following questions: 1) Is it creating harm in your relationship(s)? 2) Is it creating harm in your work/school environment and/or possibly preventing you from participating in daily tasks? 3) It is causing emotional/psychological harm or is it causing a client distress? If the behavior fits in these categories, it can be helpful to seek a counselor to address the problem.
Examples of problematic sexual behaviors that therapists work with include: 1) sex or porn addicts: 2) people whose sexual experience is limited to paraphilias and their partner is not comfortable with these types of sexual expression; 3) people who are engaging in sexual acts without the other party's consent; 4) people affected by sexual abuse who struggle in their current sexual relationship; 5) people who have affairs (This is not an exhaustive list of all problematic behaviors).
There are various reasons why people engage in problematic sexual behaviors. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is just one factor among many that can contribute to problematic behaviors.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call 314-973-7997 or visit St. Louis Marriage Therapy, LLC.
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