Response to Commentaries: Recognizing Hypersexuality as a Psychosexual Behavioral Problem and Advancing the Sexhavior Cycle of Hypersexuality

Abstract

We acknowledge the authors of the six commentaries on our Target Article, "Hypersexuality: A Critical Review and Introduction to the Sexhavior Cycle" (Walton, Cantor, Bhullar, & Lykins, 2017a), and value their contribution to advancing the clinical discussion on hypersexuality. As with many published literature reviews, there are likely to be areas of consensus and recognition, disagreement and criticism, and several observed limitations among colleagues. We hope that discussion on the current Target Article may (1)inform readers, health professionals, and researchers about the diverse understanding, complexity, and heterogeneity of hypersexuality; (2)assist professionals to evaluate when presentations indicate either clinically relevant hypersexuality or normophilic behavior at the higher end of sexual functioning and arousal; (3)provide an update about advances in the research on hypersexuality as a distinct disorder, condition, or psychological problem and highlight mechanisms by which it variously occurs; and (4)enhance the assessment, management, and well being of clients who continue to report psychological distress as a consequence of hypersexual-related behavior.