Hypersexuality is a completely normal symptom of hypomania and mania in bipolar disorder. Here’s how to keep it from devastating your treasured relationships.

1. Know What It Is

The compulsion and obsession of Hypersexuality can feel much the same as what’s felt by drug and alcohol abuser. This compulsion can be one of the more destructive aspects of Bipolar because of the marriages ruined. Both people in a relationship suffer when infidelity occurs, especially when the spouse with bipolar is distraught with guilt at having hurt the other, but also incapable of controlling the compulsion.

Researchers have pegged the number of people with mania from bipolar who also have hypersexuality at 57 percent. At least one study found that experiencing this “sexual intensity” plays a larger role in women’s lives than men’s.

2. What to Do

At the first signs of hypersexual thoughts or behavior, it’s important to get help to treat the Bipolar Disorder. When the disorder is not being treated effectively, the person’s sex life can become unstable. By treating the bipolar symptoms and getting hypomania and mania under control, this will often help manage hypersexuality as well.

Treatments may involve medications such as mood stabilizers or antipsychotics and cognitive-behavioral therapy and family counseling. After some deep conversations with your spouse, you’ll need to have a plan on how you will both handle any future episodes.

3. Know Yourself

Know what hypersexuality means for you. For many, cravings for sex will seem insatiable and irresistible. These urges may seem to never end, and you may experience yearning all day, combined with an overwhelming drive and compulsion to act on your impulses. Become acutely aware of how this symptom manifests for you so you know when to seek help — or talk to your spouse and put your plan into action.

This plan could mean changing your regular household schedule, reducing stress and increasing relaxation, talking more, and immediately contacting your health practitioner.

4. Be Willing to Communicate

The couple needs to be able to discuss everything about this symptom together — this, after both becoming educated about the essence of hypersexual compulsions. It is vital to learn everything about mania/hypersexuality, how it affects you personally and what the treatment options are.

Together, you’ll need to set boundaries and openly discuss the impact that bipolar disorder may have on your sex life — including the threat of sexually transmitted diseases. This is where formulating a plan is important. Also, understand that while this symptom is part of your bipolar, you still need to take responsibility for your actions.

5. Consider Sex Therapy

Getting help from a therapist in addition to medical care is important for the patient and the partner in order to resolve sex-related issues in the relationship. Talking with someone who has expertise with bipolar disorder and hypersexuality can be extremely beneficial. Treatment could involve some combination of couples therapy, psychotherapy, family therapy and support groups.

6. Don’t Put It Off

Many people can feel shame or humiliation in seeking help for hypersexual disorders. Or, they may actually enjoy the feeling of sexual intensity and are unable to control the destructive nature of this compulsion. However, it’s crucial you don’t put off getting help if you are unable to treat these symptoms on your own and it’s hurting your relationships.

RELATED: How to Deal With Hypersexuality in Bipolar Disorder

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