Biopsychosocial Model of Hypersexuality in Adolescent Girls With Bipolar Disorder: Strategies for Intervention

TOPIC: Engagement in high-risk behaviors, impaired judgment, and hypersexuality present unique health challenges to adolescent girls with bipolar disorder (BD). Behavioral management of sexuality does not routinely fall under the purview of psychiatric care, but requires preventive measures. PURPOSE: This paper presents a biopsychosocial model of hypersexuality in girls with BD, describes factors that lead to high-risk sexual behaviors, and provides a framework for cognitive-behavioral intervention. SOURCES USED: The study used a review of empirically based clinical and research literature. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual health education, improved treatment adherence, symptom monitoring, interpersonal skills training, parental involvement, and clinician education can improve hypersexual behavior in girls with BD.