Welcome to our in-depth discussion on pornography addiction with Dr. Ulas Camsari, Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry double boarded Psychiatrist and the director of Cognitive Works in Twin Cities, Minnesota. Dr. Camsari is also licensed to practice medicine in New Jersey and Florida.*
Cognitive Works: Dr. Camsari, thank you for joining us today. To start, could you explain the etiology of pornography addiction?
Dr. Camsari: Certainly. Pornography addiction is a complex condition that arises from a combination of factors. It's often linked to brain chemistry changes, emotional struggles, past traumas, relationship issues, and the easy access to online pornography. These elements work together to create a habit that initially feels rewarding but can lead to significant problems over time.
Cognitive Works: And what can you tell us about the physiopathology involved in this addiction?
Dr. Camsari: Research indicates that persistent consumption of pornography is associated with physical changes in the brain, particularly in areas related to motivation and reward. For instance, frequent users may experience reduced gray matter in the striatum and weaker responses to sexual stimuli, affecting decision-making skills and potentially leading to a search for more novel or extreme content.
Cognitive Works: Moving on to prevalence, how common is pornography addiction in the United States?
Dr. Camsari: It's more widespread than many realize. Studies suggest that the prevalence of hypersexual disorders, which can include pornography addiction, may be about 3–6% among the general population. However, these rates have been challenging to determine due to a lack of formal classification.
Cognitive Works: That's quite significant. Could you outline the symptoms as per the DSM criteria?
Dr. Camsari: While pornography addiction is not officially recognized in the DSM-5, addictive behaviors are characterized by repeated engagement despite negative consequences, a preoccupation with the behavior, and an escalation over time. These are common patterns we see in individuals struggling with pornography addiction.
Cognitive Works: Lastly, what are the current approaches to treatment and management?
Dr. Camsari: Treatment for pornography addiction includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, support groups, 12-step programs, medication, and counseling. These methods aim to address the underlying causes, provide support for recovery, and help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms. It's crucial to tailor the treatment to the individual's needs, as each case can be quite unique.
Cognitive Works: Dr. Camsari, thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
*This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. For those seeking help or more information on pornography addiction, resources are available through healthcare providers and addiction support organizations.*
*Please note that the image accompanying this discussion is a creative representation and not an actual photograph.*
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References:
: Medical News Today
: Valley Spring Recovery
: The Healthy by Reader's Digest
: Cognitive Works Mental Health