Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Among Dating Apps Users: A Case Report

Abstract

The report illustrates the difficult management of a clinical case of a patient with compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) that presented an excessive use of geosocial networking apps (GNAs) and sex workers for sexual encounters and discusses how this interplay might manifest differently in gay men. The author presents the clinical case of a 24-year-old male with daily severe and repetitive sexual impulses that lead to a recurring pattern of sexual behavior, accompanied by high dysfunctionality. CSBD was diagnosed and treatment relied on a combination of psychopharmacology and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy while targeting excessive use of dating apps, minority stress risk factors, and sexual dysfunction. A progressive improvement in impulse control and remission of symptoms was observed. At 1-year follow-up, the patient presented recovery of functioning in social, occupational, and relational areas. This article exemplifies the need for further characterization and development of treatment guidelines for CSBD, especially in non-heterosexual persons with GNAs use and distinct sets of sociocultural stressors.