Addictive Use of Online Sexual Activities and its Comorbidities: a Systematic Review

Purpose of the ReviewThis systematic review explores comorbidities related to the problematic use of online sexual activities (OSAs) in the absence of any published synthesis on the subject. These comorbidities are commonly confused with problems associated with offline addictive sexual disorders, even though it is not clear whether they are strictly similar.Recent FindingsThis is the first systematic review of the literature synthesizing data on the comorbidities of problematic OSA use. The pattern of comorbidities that was evidenced supports the hypothesis that problematic OSA use is part of a spectrum of related (yet distinct) disorders, Internet-related disorders.SummaryA total of 23 studies were selected and analyzed. The systematic literature review conducted showed that various comorbidities occur with problematic OSA use as follows: (1) addictive behaviors (internet addiction, online gaming problem, substance use disorders), (2) other psychiatric disorders or psychopathological symptoms (mood disorders and suicidality, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, eating disorder, online dissociation), (3) psychological dimensions (insecure peer attachment, specific personality traits), and (4) sexual problems (sexual dysfunction, paraphilia, offline addictive sexual disorders).