Clinical terminology

The World Health Organization ICD-11 clinical descriptions define compulsive sexual behaviour disorder and its diagnostic requirements. The Kraus and colleagues paper explains the diagnosis’s inclusion in ICD-11 and important boundaries around high sexual interest and moral distress.

  • WHO: ICD-11 Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Requirements for Mental, Behavioural and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
  • Kraus et al. (2018): Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder in the ICD-11.

Professional context

AASECT’s position statement explains why the organization does not classify sex addiction or pornography addiction as mental-health disorders on the available evidence. Its separate referral directory can help locate certified sexuality professionals; directory inclusion is not proof of a particular treatment approach.

Canadian support

9-8-8 provides suicide crisis support across Canada. 211 connects people with local community services. The Government of Canada mental-health hub links to provincial and territorial resources, while the CCPA directory can help locate Canadian Certified Counsellors.

  • 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline.
  • 211 Canada.
  • Government of Canada mental-health services.
  • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association directory.

How sources are used

Sources support specific claims; they do not replace individualized assessment. Pages distinguish diagnostic requirements, practical harm-reduction advice and service-directory information rather than presenting all three as the same kind of evidence.

Read the research approach