How ADHD May Affect Sexual Drive And Functioning
Many people are aware that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can impact areas of life like focus and attention. However, the fact that it may also impact sexual drive and functioning in some people is less well-known. Depending on the person and the situation, certain effects may be perceived as positive or neutral, but negative effects are also possible. Read on to learn more about the relationship between ADHD and sexual function and behavior.
ADHD and sexual choices
First, it’s possible for ADHD to affect a person’s sexual life in a potentially positive way. Consider a study conducted in 2023 that surveyed a group of 1,392 participants (541 with ADHD, 851 without) on their sexual interests, practices, and relationships. The findings suggest that those experiencing ADHD had “more adventurous” sexual interests and practices. This could be a result of the common ADHD symptom of impulsivity, possibly leading individuals to be more open-minded and exploratory in their sexual lives. Such practices may enhance the bond with a partner(s) and could lead to increased sexual satisfaction in some cases.
However, the study also notes that participants with ADHD may also have a tendency to engage in risky sexual behaviors. This could be a result of ADHD impulsivity as well, as one common symptom is making quick decisions without fully considering and weighing the consequences.
ADHD’s potential effects on sexual drive and functioning
It’s important to note that ADHD’s impact on sexuality can vary greatly, from significant effects to no effects. So while not everyone with ADHD experiences challenges related to their sexual lives as a result of their symptoms, some do.
Sex drive is a complex and nuanced topic. Fluctuations in sex drive can be natural, and changes may also relate to specific identities. Note as well that not everyone experiences sexual attraction, and someone’s orientation in this regard could significantly affect how they feel about any ADHD-related effects on sex drive. All that said, it is possible for people with ADHD to experience challenges related to sexual drive and/or function that are potentially a result of their symptoms.
Hypersexuality, or compulsive sexual behavior disorder
One example of this is hypersexuality, which was reclassified in 2019 by the World Health Organization as compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CBSD). It’s defined as “persistent failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges” which leads to “marked distress or impairment” in some area of functioning for six months or more. In other words, there’s generally nothing wrong with having a high sex drive unless it’s causing problems in one’s life—in which case CBSD might be at play.
As some emerging research suggests, symptoms of ADHD may have the potential to lead to CBSD in individuals of all genders. One study indicates that up to 67% of those with CBSD report “some patterns of ADHD.” It also notes that the more severe a person’s ADHD symptoms, the higher the level of CBSD seemed to be. One theory is that the release of endorphins and dopamine that commonly results from sexual activity could temporarily ease some ADHD symptoms, which—combined with possible trouble with impulse control—could lead individuals to frequently seek it out. While more research is needed in this area to confirm any potential links, it can be helpful for individuals with ADHD to be aware of this research in order to seek support if they notice the disruptive patterns of CBSD in themselves.
Hyposexuality
Hyposexuality is a lack of interest in sexual activity and trouble with arousal. Note that hyposexuality is not the same as asexuality. Someone with hyposexuality may be diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a condition commonly associated with depression, which can manifest as:
- Difficulty having an orgasm
- Lack of sexual fantasies
- Reduced sense of sexual desire and arousal
- Loss of interest in solitary sexual activities such as masturbation
- Difficulty forming or maintaining sexual and/or romantic relationships due to symptoms
- Avoidance of sex and/or sexual topics
Again, there’s nothing inherently wrong with having no or a low sex drive unless it’s causing you distress. With this lens, someone living with ADHD may experience a low sex drive, hyposexuality, or HSDD for a variety of reasons. For one, ADHD symptoms such as inattention and difficulty concentrating could make it difficult to focus on sexual acts and feel present in the moment. In addition to disrupting sexual activity, these difficulties may lower an individual’s confidence and make it more challenging to sexually perform in the future. Certain medications that are sometimes prescribed for ADHD, like antidepressants, may also have a negative impact on sexual function.
Tips for managing ADHD’s potential impacts on sexuality
If you suspect that ADHD is negatively affecting your sex drive, sexual health, or other aspects of your sex life, there are a few different strategies you might try to help manage these effects.
Be prepared
For those who experience impulsivity as an ADHD symptom, it can help to take measures to promote your own sexual safety in advance. For example, setting a consistent timeframe for how much time you want to spend getting to know someone before engaging with them sexually and then communicating this boundary could help you avoid making impulsive decisions that you may later regret.
You might also ensure that you always have condoms or other protective tools available for any unplanned sexual activity. It could help as well to set reminders to regularly get screened for sexually transmitted infections—and particularly after any risky sexual contact—in order to protect your health and the health of your partner(s).
Communicate with your partner(s)
In some cases, sexual challenges can be improved upon by communicating about the situation with your sexual partner(s). For example, simply sharing that you sometimes get distracted during sex or have trouble performing due to medication or symptoms could help take some of the pressure off. If there’s a way your partner could help you stay present or feel comfortable, it may improve the experience if you ask for this as well.
Exercise regularly
Engaging in healthy habits like exercising may have a positive impact on sexual functioning. For example, research suggests that there may be a connection between regular physical activity and sexual health. It’s even suggested in many cases that individuals experiencing sexual dysfunction consider incorporating regular exercise into their routine as a way to improve functioning in this area.
Exercise may also benefit those living with ADHD in a variety of other ways, such as by improving working memory, increasing impulse control, reducing stress, and increasing the levels of vital neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Remember to speak with your doctor before significantly changing your exercise routine.
Get enough sleep
Getting proper rest may also be beneficial for one’s sexual functioning. According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation may be associated with reduced sexual arousal and desire and erectile dysfunction. Poor sleep may also negatively impact an individual’s mental health—such as reducing their ability to manage stress—which may make it more difficult to be physically intimate or have a satisfying sex life.
Practicing good sleep hygiene may help you get better rest. Examples can include sleeping in a cool, dark room, avoiding the use of electronics before bed, avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, and waking and sleeping at the same time each day. These activities may increase sleep duration and/or improve sleep quality, which may help increase the production of sex hormones such as testosterone, oxytocin, and prolactin and reduce hormones related to stress, such as cortisol.
Meet with a therapist
A mental health professional can be a valuable resource for those looking for support in coping with the symptoms of ADHD, including those related to sexual function. Therapists can help their clients learn how ADHD may impact various parts of their sex lives and offer tips for addressing them, such as by learning to shift distorted thoughts or better manage stress.
That said, the logistics of connecting with a mental health care provider in person can sometimes be difficult. For example, an individual may not have the means to travel to an in-person therapy session, or they may prefer a format other than traditional face-to-face therapy. In these situations, it may be beneficial to consider other options, such as online therapy. It allows you to meet with a licensed therapist virtually from the comfort of home so you can get support without having to commute. Research suggests that online therapy can generally offer similar benefits to in-person care, so you can typically choose whichever format you prefer.
Takeaway
ADHD can affect each individual differently. In some cases, it can cause disruptions or problems related to sexual drive and functioning. Depending on the severity of these experiences and the person's identity and relationship to sex, they may cause distress and negatively impact their life. Being prepared, communicating with your partner(s), practicing self-care, and speaking with a therapist could all be helpful in addressing any effects of ADHD on your sexual life.
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