Porn Addiction

What “porn addiction” means

“Porn addiction” is a popular term for a pattern of pornography use that a person feels unable to control and that causes distress or problems in their life. It is not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR. The ICD-11 includes compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, a broader category that clinicians may consider when sexual behavior, including pornography use, becomes persistent, hard to control and significantly impairing.

Researchers continue to debate how best to understand this pattern: as an addiction, as a compulsion, or as an expression of other difficulties such as stress, low mood, loneliness or shame. Moral or religious disapproval of pornography can also shape how distressing a person finds their use, which is one reason careful assessment matters.

Talking to a professional

Because the causes and effects differ from person to person, a confidential, non-judgmental conversation with a qualified professional is the best way to understand what is going on and what might help.

Relevant professionals include licensed therapists and psychologists, accredited sex therapists, and couples therapists where a relationship is affected. A primary care doctor (GP) can also help with referrals.

Before an appointment, it can help to note down your questions, what you have noticed and any medicines you already take. It is reasonable to ask about the options available, what the research says about them and what happens next. Good clinicians welcome questions and explain things in plain language.

Learn more

To learn more, see our pages on shame, the psychology of habits and how to find a therapist. Our guide to types of mental health professionals explains who does what.