Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIs There a Connection?Putting Off SexPorn, ADHD, and MasturbationWorking on Intimacy
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Is There a Connection?
Putting Off Sex
Porn, ADHD, and Masturbation
Working on Intimacy
This article will discuss how ADHD can affect sexuality and coping strategies.
Prostock-Studio / iStock/ Getty Images Plus
Do People With ADHD Want Sex More?
Not everyone with ADHD has higher-than-average sex drives—in fact, some people with ADHD experience lower-than-average sex drives—but hypersexuality is associated with ADHD.
Hypersexuality refers to an increased sex drive (libido) and, for some, an increase in sexual behaviors that are higher risk or maladaptive (not appropriate to the situation), such as unprotected sex, a high number of partners, or problematic pornography use.
Hypersexuality sometimes refers to compulsive sexual behavior disorder (also called sex addiction).
Understanding ADHD Hypersexuality
The research on the link between ADHD and hypersexuality is inconclusive, but largely indicates a correlation between ADHD and hypersexuality. Recent findings include:
Other studies have shown that childhood ADHD is associated with earlier initiation of sexual activity and intercourse, more sexual partners, more casual sex, and more partner pregnancies.
Not All Studies Support a Clear Connection Between ADHD and Hypersexuality
A review of literature noted that some people with ADHD report hypersexuality and that some studies show a high incidence of ADHD reported in people with hypersexuality. However, this review concluded there was insufficient evidence to suggest that hypersexuality is more common in the ADHD population.
Study LimitationsStudies on hypersexuality in people with ADHD tend to focus on cisgender men and women, with an overemphasis on men. The prominent studies do not examine patterns in other genders. The studies are also largely performed on white participants. More research is needed, with bigger sample sizes, more diverse samples, and with consideration of co-occurring factors that may influence results.
Study Limitations
Studies on hypersexuality in people with ADHD tend to focus on cisgender men and women, with an overemphasis on men. The prominent studies do not examine patterns in other genders. The studies are also largely performed on white participants. More research is needed, with bigger sample sizes, more diverse samples, and with consideration of co-occurring factors that may influence results.
Why Might ADHD Lead to Hypersexuality?
While there is no conclusive answer to why people with ADHD may experience hypersexuality, there are some theories, such as:
Putting Off Sex Because of ADHD
For some people with ADHD, too little sex, not too much sex, is the problem.
Hyposexuality, inability to “get into” sex, difficulty reaching orgasm, and other sexual problems can occur as a result of ADHD. In some cases, they are a side effect of some medications prescribed for ADHD or commonly associated conditions, particularly antidepressants.
This lack of interest in sex can stem from intimacy difficulties often found in relationships in which one or both partners has ADHD. When a partner with ADHD struggles with executive functioning, they may have trouble staying on top of cleaning, paying bills, and other day-to-day responsibilities. This can lead to their partner taking on more household responsibilities, giving constant reminders, and in some cases “parenting” their partner.
From this can arise resentment, feelings of being underappreciated, exhaustion, and other negative feelings that don’t put people in the mood for intimacy.
Partners of people who have ADHD with impulsive symptoms have reported sex that is too rough, fast-paced and painful, and without adequate foreplay before intercourse.
What Is a Normal Sex Drive?Having a high sex drive, low sex drive, or no sex drive is not always a problem. With or without ADHD, sex drives vary among individuals. If your sex drive is comfortable for you, is not causing relationship difficulties, and is not putting you or others at risk, it may not be a cause for concern. See a healthcare provider or a sexual health professional if you have concerns.
What Is a Normal Sex Drive?
Having a high sex drive, low sex drive, or no sex drive is not always a problem. With or without ADHD, sex drives vary among individuals. If your sex drive is comfortable for you, is not causing relationship difficulties, and is not putting you or others at risk, it may not be a cause for concern. See a healthcare provider or a sexual health professional if you have concerns.
How the ADHD Brain Is Wired Differently
Problematic pornography use is a common characteristic of hypersexuality. Building on previous studies on men seeking treatment, a study examined ADHD symptoms in relation to hypersexuality and problematic pornography use. This study looked at both adult men and women.
The findings show ADHD is correlated with the severity of hypersexuality in both men and women, but the role of ADHD symptoms in problematic pornography use is stronger in men.
Working on Intimacy With ADHD
Healthy relationships with satisfying sex lives are definitely possible for people with ADHD and their partners—they just might need some extra considerations and effort.
First and foremost, prioritize communication. Letting each other know how you feel, what you like, and what you don’t like—in and out of the bedroom—is crucial to having your needs met and meeting those of your partner.
There are also things you can do individually to increase intimacy and satisfaction in your relationship.
As the Person With ADHD
As the Partner
Summary
While a link has not been conclusively proven, there is evidence to suggest that ADHD symptoms are associated with hypersexuality. This can lead to riskier sexual behavior and, particularly in men, problematic pornography use.
ADHD can also cause other sexual and relationship difficulties such as low sex drive, problems with intimacy, and an inability to achieve orgasm.
Communication is key to a successful relationship when one or both partners have ADHD. Talking to each other about feelings, expectations, and your relationship go a long way to fostering a healthy partnership and satisfying sex life.
ADD vs. ADHD
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Isaksson J, Stickley A, Koposov R, Ruchkin V.The danger of being inattentive - ADHD symptoms and risky sexual behaviour in Russian adolescents.Eur Psychiatry. 2018;47:42-48. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.09.004Bőthe B, Koós M, Tóth-Király I, Orosz G, Demetrovics Z.Investigating the associations of adult ADHD symptoms, hypersexuality, and problematic pornography use among men and women on a largescale, non-clinical sample.J Sex Med. 2019;16(4):489-499. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.01.312Marsh LE, Norvilitis JM, Ingersoll TS, Li B.ADHD symptomatology, fear of intimacy, and sexual anxiety and behavior among college students in China and the United States.J Atten Disord. 2015;19(3):211-221. doi:10.1177/1087054712453483Sarver DE, McCart MR, Sheidow AJ, Letourneau EJ.ADHD and risky sexual behavior in adolescents: conduct problems and substance use as mediators of risk.J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014;55(12):1345-1353. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12249The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders.Love, sex, and ADHD.Soldati L, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Schockaert P, et al.Association of ADHD and hypersexuality and paraphilias.Psychiatry Res. 2021;295:113638. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113638Ben-Naim S, Marom I, Krashin M, et al.Life with a partner with adhd: the moderating role of intimacy.J Child Fam Stud. 2017;26(5):1365-1373. doi: 10.1007/s10826-016-0653-9Reid RC, Davtian M, Lenartowicz A, Torrevillas RM, Fong TW.Perspectives on the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD in hypersexual men.Neuropsychiatry. 2013;3(3):295-309.International Society for Sexual Medicine.How might ADHD affect sexuality?Young S, Klassen LJ, Reitmeier SD, Matheson JD, Gudjonsson GH.Let’s Talk about Sex… and ADHD: Findings from an Anonymous Online Survey.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(3):2037. Published 2023 Jan 22. doi:10.3390/ijerph20032037Attention Deficit Disorder Association.Six secrets to a happy ADHD relationship.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Isaksson J, Stickley A, Koposov R, Ruchkin V.The danger of being inattentive - ADHD symptoms and risky sexual behaviour in Russian adolescents.Eur Psychiatry. 2018;47:42-48. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.09.004Bőthe B, Koós M, Tóth-Király I, Orosz G, Demetrovics Z.Investigating the associations of adult ADHD symptoms, hypersexuality, and problematic pornography use among men and women on a largescale, non-clinical sample.J Sex Med. 2019;16(4):489-499. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.01.312Marsh LE, Norvilitis JM, Ingersoll TS, Li B.ADHD symptomatology, fear of intimacy, and sexual anxiety and behavior among college students in China and the United States.J Atten Disord. 2015;19(3):211-221. doi:10.1177/1087054712453483Sarver DE, McCart MR, Sheidow AJ, Letourneau EJ.ADHD and risky sexual behavior in adolescents: conduct problems and substance use as mediators of risk.J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014;55(12):1345-1353. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12249The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders.Love, sex, and ADHD.Soldati L, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Schockaert P, et al.Association of ADHD and hypersexuality and paraphilias.Psychiatry Res. 2021;295:113638. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113638Ben-Naim S, Marom I, Krashin M, et al.Life with a partner with adhd: the moderating role of intimacy.J Child Fam Stud. 2017;26(5):1365-1373. doi: 10.1007/s10826-016-0653-9Reid RC, Davtian M, Lenartowicz A, Torrevillas RM, Fong TW.Perspectives on the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD in hypersexual men.Neuropsychiatry. 2013;3(3):295-309.International Society for Sexual Medicine.How might ADHD affect sexuality?Young S, Klassen LJ, Reitmeier SD, Matheson JD, Gudjonsson GH.Let’s Talk about Sex… and ADHD: Findings from an Anonymous Online Survey.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(3):2037. Published 2023 Jan 22. doi:10.3390/ijerph20032037Attention Deficit Disorder Association.Six secrets to a happy ADHD relationship.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Isaksson J, Stickley A, Koposov R, Ruchkin V.The danger of being inattentive - ADHD symptoms and risky sexual behaviour in Russian adolescents.Eur Psychiatry. 2018;47:42-48. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.09.004Bőthe B, Koós M, Tóth-Király I, Orosz G, Demetrovics Z.Investigating the associations of adult ADHD symptoms, hypersexuality, and problematic pornography use among men and women on a largescale, non-clinical sample.J Sex Med. 2019;16(4):489-499. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.01.312Marsh LE, Norvilitis JM, Ingersoll TS, Li B.ADHD symptomatology, fear of intimacy, and sexual anxiety and behavior among college students in China and the United States.J Atten Disord. 2015;19(3):211-221. doi:10.1177/1087054712453483Sarver DE, McCart MR, Sheidow AJ, Letourneau EJ.ADHD and risky sexual behavior in adolescents: conduct problems and substance use as mediators of risk.J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014;55(12):1345-1353. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12249The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders.Love, sex, and ADHD.Soldati L, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Schockaert P, et al.Association of ADHD and hypersexuality and paraphilias.Psychiatry Res. 2021;295:113638. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113638Ben-Naim S, Marom I, Krashin M, et al.Life with a partner with adhd: the moderating role of intimacy.J Child Fam Stud. 2017;26(5):1365-1373. doi: 10.1007/s10826-016-0653-9Reid RC, Davtian M, Lenartowicz A, Torrevillas RM, Fong TW.Perspectives on the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD in hypersexual men.Neuropsychiatry. 2013;3(3):295-309.International Society for Sexual Medicine.How might ADHD affect sexuality?Young S, Klassen LJ, Reitmeier SD, Matheson JD, Gudjonsson GH.Let’s Talk about Sex… and ADHD: Findings from an Anonymous Online Survey.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(3):2037. Published 2023 Jan 22. doi:10.3390/ijerph20032037Attention Deficit Disorder Association.Six secrets to a happy ADHD relationship.
Isaksson J, Stickley A, Koposov R, Ruchkin V.The danger of being inattentive - ADHD symptoms and risky sexual behaviour in Russian adolescents.Eur Psychiatry. 2018;47:42-48. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.09.004
Bőthe B, Koós M, Tóth-Király I, Orosz G, Demetrovics Z.Investigating the associations of adult ADHD symptoms, hypersexuality, and problematic pornography use among men and women on a largescale, non-clinical sample.J Sex Med. 2019;16(4):489-499. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.01.312
Marsh LE, Norvilitis JM, Ingersoll TS, Li B.ADHD symptomatology, fear of intimacy, and sexual anxiety and behavior among college students in China and the United States.J Atten Disord. 2015;19(3):211-221. doi:10.1177/1087054712453483
Sarver DE, McCart MR, Sheidow AJ, Letourneau EJ.ADHD and risky sexual behavior in adolescents: conduct problems and substance use as mediators of risk.J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014;55(12):1345-1353. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12249
The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders.Love, sex, and ADHD.
Soldati L, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Schockaert P, et al.Association of ADHD and hypersexuality and paraphilias.Psychiatry Res. 2021;295:113638. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113638
Ben-Naim S, Marom I, Krashin M, et al.Life with a partner with adhd: the moderating role of intimacy.J Child Fam Stud. 2017;26(5):1365-1373. doi: 10.1007/s10826-016-0653-9
Reid RC, Davtian M, Lenartowicz A, Torrevillas RM, Fong TW.Perspectives on the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD in hypersexual men.Neuropsychiatry. 2013;3(3):295-309.
International Society for Sexual Medicine.How might ADHD affect sexuality?
Young S, Klassen LJ, Reitmeier SD, Matheson JD, Gudjonsson GH.Let’s Talk about Sex… and ADHD: Findings from an Anonymous Online Survey.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(3):2037. Published 2023 Jan 22. doi:10.3390/ijerph20032037
Attention Deficit Disorder Association.Six secrets to a happy ADHD relationship.
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