Hypersexuality, also called sex addiction, is defined as devoting too much time to sexual fantasies, often combined with the obsessive pursuit of casual sex, pornography, compulsive masturbation, and depersonalization of the sexual partner, lasting more than six months. This behavior continues, despite attempts at self-correction and abstinence, the negative consequences for emotional and mental health, domestic and life consequences for the sufferer. Experts agree that it is an addiction to a process, similar to gambling and binge eating, rather than an addiction to a substance, as in alcoholism and drug addictions. Accordingly, sex addicts spend much more time looking for it, and not so much on the sexual act itself. They are actually addicted to the neurotransmitter cascade raging in the brain during intense sexual fantasies and rituals. Although not all health professionals and organizations strictly define it as a mental illness, hypersexuality is increasingly being recognized as such. Psychologists and psychiatrists are increasingly classifying it as a neuropsychological disorder. It is believed to be an adaptive response to stressors, an attempt to maintain emotional balance through intense mental stimulation. The condition can occur after abuse or the loss of a loved one in the early stages of life. To make such a diagnosis, a mental health professional must rule out other conditions such as concurrent drug abuse, as well as mental disorders that include hypersexuality as a clinical symptom—bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit disorder. The presence of a fetish, such as bondage or dominance, does not in itself indicate hypersexuality, even if the individual feels shame or hides these elements of their sex life. Homosexual attractions, even unwanted ones, are also not a manifestation of hypersexuality. Rather, it is defined by an obsessive search for sexual contact to resolve an emotional problem or distress, but is independent of who the contact is with. In other words, in emotionally stable people, stress is resolved to a greater extent through communication and sharing with loved ones or friends, self-control and stress tolerance than in hypersexuals, because in them these abilities are greatly reduced. NEWS_MORE_BOX Most men suffering from the disorder do not seek professional help until they have suffered serious health, career or financial consequences from their condition. So far, there is no unified therapeutic scheme. Diagnosis and treatment entirely depend on the experience and approach of the treating specialist. Improvement has been observed after applying cognitive behavioral therapy, in which the therapist helps the sufferer to understand his own problem and solve it through systematic, goal-oriented techniques; group therapy,in which those affected share among themselves; marriage counseling etc. Some clinicians administer a specific class of antidepressants—selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors—to correct neurotransmitter imbalances and lower sex drive.