What is CSBD?
Short Answer
Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD) is a diagnosis in the WHO's ICD-11, classified as an impulse-control disorder. It is not the same as 'porn addiction,' which is not a formal diagnosis.
Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD) is a diagnosis in the World Health Organization’s ICD-11, classified as an impulse-control disorder. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of failure to control intense sexual impulses, resulting in significant distress or impairment.
CSBD is not the same as “porn addiction,” which is a popular term rather than a formal diagnosis. The relationship between CSBD and problematic pornography use is an active area of research, and how well the diagnosis maps onto pornography use specifically is debated.
This platform uses accurate terminology and points to the evidence layer for detailed, sourced coverage of CSBD.
Community Experience
Members rarely use the clinical term CSBD; the community tends to use 'addiction' language instead.
Scientific Evidence
CSBD is a recognized ICD-11 diagnosis, characterized by a persistent pattern of failure to control intense sexual impulses resulting in significant distress or impairment.
What We Don't Know
How well CSBD maps onto problematic pornography use, and how it should be treated, is an area of ongoing research.
Practical Options
- Know the formal term for accuracy, even if you use other language
- Use CSBD to understand the clinical framing when reading research
- Read the evidence layer for detailed, sourced coverage
When to Seek Help
If you meet a pattern of loss of control with significant distress or impairment, a professional can assess whether a diagnosis applies.
Related Experiences
Related Research
The evidence layer lives on the knowledge base:
This platform provides educational information, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.