Treatment providers report the presentation of a clinical condition popularly referred to as 'sexual addiction'. The main characteristics of this condition are intense sexual urges, recurring fantasies and out of control sexual behaviour. Treatment providers who clinically deal with this are working in the areas of medicine, sexual health, psychiatry, psychology and psychotherapy. The major clinical challenge is the lack of agreement on criteria and the absence of a scientific classification for this condition. Other concerns include diagnosis, treatment, disclosure and understanding the aetiology of 'sexual addiction'. Additionally, there is a high incidence of dual addiction and co-morbid psychological conditions among those who present with 'sexual addiction'. There is a lack of clarity whether the 'sexually addictive' behaviour is the primary condition or whether it is a symptom of an underlying condition. In addition to a catalogue of negative consequences the 'sexual addict' is vulnerable to contracting sexual disease. Treatment is a multifaceted combination of medication, psychotherapy, 12-step fellowship programmes and education. There is a wide range of opinion among treatment providers on the concept of 'sexual addiction'.
