Clinical and forensic aspects of hypersexual behavior

摘要

The present article deals with hypersexual behavior and experience which is characterized by excessive sexual activity and a high degree of psychological strain and/or endangerment for others. Initially, the historical developments of different conceptualizations of the construct which is currently predominantly denominated hypersexuality are illustrated from the beginning in terms of the famous case studies presented by Krafft-Ebing up to the current discussion about the inclusion of hypersexual disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5). Different diagnostical methods and approaches for hypersexual behavior are presented as well as a brief overview about the epidemiology and different etiological models and hypotheses. Finally, the forensic relevance of the construct for expert witness activity is discussed by focusing on the potential impact of hypersexual behavior on criminal responsibility and recidivism risk assessment.