Psychiatrists in New York, NY
Sean X Luo
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10024
I am a Columbia-trained general and addiction psychiatrist and researcher. My practice focuses on delivering high-quality treatment to a small number of patients. I focus on complex substance use, co-morbid/dual diagnoses cases such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression, and behavioral addictions such as sex/gaming addiction. I conduct both talk therapy and use medications in my practice and work with both patients and their families. The goal is transformative change in behavior patterns to help patients achieve their highest level of functioning.
I am a Columbia-trained general and addiction psychiatrist and researcher. My practice focuses on delivering high-quality treatment to a small number of patients. I focus on complex substance use, co-morbid/dual diagnoses cases such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression, and behavioral addictions such as sex/gaming addiction. I conduct both talk therapy and use medications in my practice and work with both patients and their families. The goal is transformative change in behavior patterns to help patients achieve their highest level of functioning.
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When should someone seek treatment for sex addiction?
People should seek treatment for sex addiction if they cannot control their sexual thoughts or behaviours to the point that it disrupts their ability to function in daily life, for example by threatening their finances, career, or relationships. This may include spending an excessive amount of time obsessing over sex, planning sex, watching pornography, or masturbating, as well as consistently engaging in risky sexual activities, using sex to escape distressing feelings, or attempting yet failing to control sexual behavior.
What are the most common treatment options for sex addiction?
Psychotherapy is the most common treatment for sex addiction; therapy helps patients better understand their compulsive thoughts and behaviors and develop strategies to manage their desires. Therapy may be supplemented by medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-androgens, and the alcohol and substance use medication Naltrexone, as well as support groups, such as 12-step programs.
How long does therapy take for sex addiction?
Recovering from compulsive behavior takes time and effort. There’s no precise timeline for treatment, but research suggests 12 therapy sessions may be enough to see change. Treatment for sexual compulsions requires honesty in therapy, a commitment to understanding triggers and developing coping skills, and potential lifestyle changes such as cutting out alcohol or drugs.
What if sex addiction is left untreated?
Compulsive sexual behavior can have serious repercussions if left unaddressed. For example, if sexual obsessions consume the vast majority of a person’s time, they may lose their job. If they can’t stop paying for sex, their finances may suffer. If they’re dishonest in their relationships, their partner may leave them. If they consistently feel shame, they may struggle with anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Therapy can help people develop the tools to manage sexual thoughts and behaviors that feel uncontrollable.