Among celebrities with bipolar disorder, Kanye West has been the most outspoken about the condition. It is often referenced to explain his highly publicized erratic behavior, mood swings, and general disposition. Although, experts state that the mental illness does not excuse all of his words and actions through recent years. So when West announced this week that he was going to start an adult film production company, many chalked it up to Kanye, being Kanye. Mind you, the latest news isn’t coming out of left field. It harkens back to reports from a couple of years ago that West forced Adidas executives to watch pornography during company meetings. The mogul has also discussed his problematic relationship with porn and sex addiction in a recent YouTube interview.
Those who have followed West’s troubling journey are beginning to wonder if there is a link between his BP-1 diagnosis and compulsive sexual behavior. While this article is no feature on the public figure, him making headlines once again provides an opportunity to explore the bipolar disorder hypersexuality connection. In doing so, someone with bipolar disorder may find answers as to why they (you?) struggle with porn addiction, risky sexual behavior, and related concerns.
Exploring the Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Compulsive Sexual Behavior
Manic Episodes Associated with Hypersexuality
Manic behavior (also referred to as “mania” and “impulsive behavior”) is a symptom of BPD that is observed as a state of elevated or irritable mood, energy, and activity that can last for days or even weeks. Research has found that both sex drive and hypersexuality (compulsive porn consumption and excessive masturbation, etc.) is significantly elevated during manic episodes. Conversely, there is a tendency to experience a reduction in sex drive and sexual behavior during BPD related depressive episodes. That being said, some indicate that they use sex and its dopamine release to escape feelings of BPD related depression.
Gender Differences
The same body of research referenced has also found an important gender difference as it applies to BPD major depressive episodes (MDEs). Women tend to experience a reduction in sex drive and related behaviors. Men, on the other hand, may be more likely to experience a destructive sex drive with negative feelings and thoughts associated with sex, rather than a reduction in sex drive. Studies have found that almost 50% of bipolar patients report participating in risky sexual behavior, compared to about 27% for unmarried males in the general population.
Other Cooccurring Conditions
A survey of more than 43,000 people found that the rate of cooccurring alcohol and substance-related disorders (AUD and SUDs) among those with BPD is disproportionately high, at up to 50% for those with bipolar 1 (BP-1). Please note that research has found that alcohol and substance abuse can aggravate hypersexuality in the BPD population. Further studies have discovered an interlinking relationship between problematic porn consumption in subjects with bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and gambling disorder (GD). Further complicating matters, is the fact that AUD, SUD, PTSD, and GD all have comorbid relationship with compulsive sexual behavior on their own. When considering all of the above, it becomes clear that additional research is required to draw more definitive conclusions regarding the bipolar disorder hypersexuality connection.
Not for Everyone
It’s important to clarify that a diagnosis of BPD does not infer that a subject has or will develop problematic sexual behavior. In fact, experts remain unsure as to why some people with BPD experience symptoms of hypersexuality, and some do not. There can certainly be other contributing factors that span beyond the other disorders referenced above. For instance, in Kanye West’s interview, he discussed being exposed to porn when he was just 5 years old, and that his compulsive sexual behavior ramped up after his mother died. Her death (2007) occurred 9 years prior to his BP-1 diagnosis.
Whether or not your hypersexuality is connected to your bipolar disorder (as applicable) you are encouraged to seek behavioral health therapy for the former and address it as a part of your holistic mental health treatment plan. Kindbridge has experts on staff to provide counseling and therapy for compulsive sexual behavior. Reach out for help via the contacts provided below.
CALL +1 (877) 426-4258
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Email [email protected]
