CEU Eligible Article: Affective Neuroscience and the Treatment of Sexual Addiction

• NCJ Number: 226472
• Journal: Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 2009 Pages: 1-31
• Author(s): Alexandra Katehakis
• Date Published: March 2009
• Length: 31 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

After reviewing the literature in order to provide a better understanding of the impact of early childhood attachment patterns on the neuropsychobiology of sexual addicts and their partners, this article presents a model for recovery that relies on Carnes’ cognitive-behavioral, task-oriented approach combined with therapy that influences the affective right hemisphere of the brain and linked behaviors.

Abstract

The article first briefly reviews the development of the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system in order to clarify how affective disturbance causes neurobiological deficits in infancy. These deficits undermine both emotional and intellectual growth and may result in sexual addiction. The discussion then focuses on the affective, cognitive, and behavioral effects of attachment-based right-brain development. This section notes that the left brain, which is adept in verbal and logical thinking, does not have a significant effect on development until approximately 18 months after birth. Until then, all communication between mother and infant links the emotional, right brain of the child to the emotional, right brain of the mother. The development of the right brain in a child’s first year and a half allows for connection with others, then for self-regulation of feelings, and finally for the cognitive accomplishments of the left brain. This section of the article includes discussions of the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral consequences of early affective experiences. The next major section of the article considers the effects of childhood trauma on the affective, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics of sexual addicts and addicts and their partners. This is followed by a major section on the clinical presentation of attachment styles in sexual addicts and their partners. The concluding section discusses implications of the previously discussed concepts for the treatment of sexual addicts and their partners. Case narratives and 52 references