From the Guidelines
I strongly advise against using pornography as a means to test or reassure oneself about their sexual orientation, as it can exacerbate obsessive-compulsive symptoms and lead to increased distress. When considering the impact of porn watching, particularly in the context of sexual orientation obsessive-compulsive disorder (SO-OCD), it's essential to prioritize the potential effects on mental health and well-being. According to a systematic scoping review of the literature on SO-OCD 1, individuals with SO-OCD may engage in compulsions such as testing and comparing their physiological arousal to heterosexual and LGBTQ+ pornographic content. However, this behavior can provide only transient reassurance and is often followed by intrusive thoughts, leading to a cycle of doubt and distress.
Some key points to consider:
- The use of pornography to test sexual response can create a potentially addictive system for those with SO-OCD, allowing endless variations in imagery that can be tweaked to test sexual response 1.
- Excessive demands for reassurance, including compulsively searching the Internet or watching pornography, can have an adverse impact on family members and friends 1.
- Individuals with SO-OCD may experience higher levels of distress associated with their symptoms, particularly women, and may be more likely to engage in avoidance behaviors or seek reassurance from others 1.
In terms of recommendations, it is crucial to seek professional help from a therapist specializing in sexual health and OCD if you find that your porn viewing is interfering with daily activities, relationships, or causing significant distress. Cognitive-behavioral techniques can help address underlying issues and reduce symptoms of SO-OCD. Additionally, setting time limits, being mindful of content consumed, and occasionally taking breaks to reset sensitivity can help maintain balance and prevent negative impacts on relationships or daily functioning.
From the Research
Effects of Porn Watching
- Pornography consumption is closely linked to compulsive sexual behavior, especially in the male population 2
- It may serve as a defense mechanism against excessive stress, helping with mood regulation and decreasing depression and anxiety 2
- However, it can also create guilty feelings and internal conflict, suggesting that psychosocial stress and traumatic experiences may play a role in Internet pornography addiction 2
Relationship Between Porn Watching and Mental Health
- Stressful experiences, anxiety, and depression are strongly related to pornography consumption 2
- Conflicting emotional experiences and identity problems can increase vulnerability to addictive sexual behavior and pornography consumption 2
- Self-perceived pornography addiction (SPPA) can affect users and their partners, leading to increased feelings of isolation and relationship breakdowns 3
Treatment of Compulsive Sexual Behavior
- Naltrexone, an opiate antagonist, has been used to treat compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and may be a useful adjunctive treatment 4
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) seem to be the first-line pharmacological treatment for sexual addiction, with naltrexone as another therapeutic option 5
- A feasibility study found that naltrexone can reduce symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), but future studies should ensure a randomized controlled procedure to evaluate effectiveness 6
Key Findings
- The concept of self-perceived pornography addiction (SPPA) is not formally recognized, and its definition and operationalization vary among researchers 3
- There is a need for further research on the impact of SPPA and its treatment, with consideration of different theoretical perspectives and methodologic limitations 3