Linking Male Depression and Sex Addiction

Twelve percent of Americans experience depression at some point in their lifetime, generally characterized by extended periods of low mood, a lack of adequate motivation to engage in normal daily activity and hopelessness. Recent research suggests men actually experience depression differently than current diagnostic criteria. And while women generally feel comfortable talking, men express emotion via aggression or risk-taking, including sex addiction.

Researchers from the University of Michigan and Vanderbilt University conducted a study to investigate how men and women experience depression. It also links depression and sex addiction and provides insight into the different rates of men and women seeking help for sex and porn addiction. Though women are being treated in increasing numbers, there are still many more men receiving therapy for such disorders. 

While sex and porn addiction differences between the genders have been chalked up to higher male sex drives, the findings of the study suggest that the difference may have more to do with externalizing behaviors that men engage in when they are confronted with negative emotions.

The study was designed to examine the gender gap in depression, with women 70 percent more likely to meet the criteria for depression at some point. As a result the researchers developed a separate scale for men and women, in addition to a gender inclusive scale reflecting symptoms that may be experienced as a gender-neutral part of depression. By developing separate scales for each gender, the study could eventually result in the diagnostic criteria for depression being reexamined.

The view of sexual deviance as an expression of the negative moods associated with depression may be met with resistance. The traditional view of such behavior is that the person has little self-control or is lacking a sense of right and wrong that may be difficult to change.

However, a growing body of research supports self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse and compulsive sexual behaviors, as a way to self-medicate against negative emotions. Acting out sexually may be an external way of responding to internal distress.

The use of medications used to treat depression may be useful in helping treat sex addiction. The prescribing of an SSRI, for instance, may allow a sex addict to receive support while they engage in therapy and recovery programs. While medications come with potential side effects, they are generally an effective treatment for depression.

Further research is necessary to determine whether sexual addiction behaviors are rooted in depression. In the future, it may become clear that men and women experience depression in gender-specific ways and require gender-based diagnosis criteria.