Sex Addict Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. How does the DSM-5-TR treat “sex addiction”?
It lists it as a subtype of substance use disorder
It defines it solely by the number of sexual encounters
It does not list sex addiction as a standalone diagnosis
It classifies every recurring sexual urge as an addictive disorder
2. During an assessment, a person reports a sudden major increase in sexual behavior. What should a clinician also consider?
Possible effects of substances, medications, mood episodes, and other health conditions
Whether the person’s behavior differs from the clinician’s own values
Whether friends use the informal label “sex addict”
Only how many sexual partners the person has had
3. How can shame affect help-seeking for troubling sexual behavior?
It reliably motivates lasting behavioral change
It confirms that a specific diagnosis is present
It has no meaningful relationship to whether someone discusses concerns
It can increase secrecy and discourage help-seeking, making a nonjudgmental response valuable
4. Someone says compulsivity caused them to ignore another person’s refusal. Which principle is most accurate?
Compulsivity automatically removes responsibility for respecting boundaries
Consent is less important when both people previously had sexual contact
Compulsivity never makes nonconsensual behavior acceptable
A later apology changes whether consent existed at the time
5. Under the ICD-11 description of compulsive sexual behavior disorder, which statement about distress is accurate?
Distress based entirely on moral disapproval is not sufficient by itself
Any guilt after sexual activity is enough to meet the distress requirement
Distress matters only when a romantic partner also objects
Distress is irrelevant if the behavior occurs frequently
6. Which goal is generally most appropriate when addressing compulsive sexual behavior?
Avoiding every close relationship to remove temptation
Suppressing all sexual thoughts, regardless of distress or feasibility
Adopting the same lifelong abstinence rule for every person
Building greater choice and control while reducing harm in line with consensual, personally meaningful goals
7. After progress toward changing a compulsive pattern, Riley returns to an unwanted behavior once. Which response is most constructive?
Conclude that all previous progress was meaningless
Replace the original goal with a harsher one immediately
Hide the event from every relevant support person to avoid discomfort
Review the circumstances and triggers, strengthen the support plan, and continue working toward the goal
8. In the ICD-11, compulsive sexual behavior disorder is grouped under which category?
Substance dependence disorders
Personality disorders
Impulse control disorders
Paraphilic disorders
9. Which feature most clearly distinguishes a potentially compulsive sexual pattern from simply having a strong sex drive?
Wanting sex more often than a current partner does
Persistent difficulty controlling the behavior despite significant harm or impairment
Thinking about sex frequently during periods of attraction
Having sexual interests that differ from cultural expectations
10. Why can sexual frequency alone not determine whether someone has a compulsive sexual behavior problem?
Frequency matters only for people who are in relationships
Frequency does not by itself show impaired control, persistent harm, or functional impairment
Any frequent sexual behavior is healthy when it is consensual
Only the type of sexual activity matters in an assessment
11. Which statement about pornography use or masturbation is most accurate?
Neither behavior alone proves addiction; control, context, impairment, and consequences matter
Either behavior becomes an addiction whenever it happens regularly
Neither behavior can ever become part of a harmful compulsive pattern
Relationship disapproval is sufficient on its own to establish a disorder
12. Which situation calls for urgent help rather than waiting for a routine appointment?
A person feels embarrassed discussing sexual concerns
Partners disagree about their preferred frequency of sex
There is imminent risk of self-harm, harm to another person, or forced sexual contact
Someone wants help changing a private habit that is not creating immediate danger
13. Jordan has repeatedly tried to limit sexual behavior, continues despite serious relationship and work consequences, and feels unable to regain control. What is the most appropriate next step?
Seek a contextual assessment from a qualified mental health professional
Assume the pattern proves a specific diagnosis without an assessment
Judge the issue only by comparing frequency with other people
Wait until every area of life has been affected before seeking help
14. Sam’s partner is seeking help for a troubling sexual pattern. What is a constructive response Sam can take?
Monitor every movement and message to guarantee recovery
Set clear personal boundaries and seek independent support while leaving treatment responsibility with the partner
Avoid expressing any needs because boundaries may feel punitive
Take sole responsibility for preventing all future behavior
15. What is the most important limitation of an online sex-addiction quiz?
It can be accurate only when completed with a partner
It can diagnose a problem but cannot suggest educational topics
It replaces assessment only when the score is especially high
It may support learning or reflection, but it cannot provide a diagnosis or contextual clinical assessment
16. Which statement best reflects a responsible view of treatment for compulsive sexual behavior?
One standardized program is known to work equally well for everyone
Psychotherapy may address triggers, coping, relationships, and co-occurring concerns, with goals tailored to the person
Treatment should focus only on eliminating sexual thoughts
Treatment is unnecessary unless illegal behavior has occurred