Bipolar and hypersexuality

Have you had times where your sex drive has increased, and you’ve behaved in a sexual way that’s out of character? If so, this page can help you understand if hypersexuality could be a sign of hypomania – and the steps you can take.

Is hypersexuality a common symptom of hypomania?

Yes. Hypersexuality – an unusual or excessive concern with or participation in sexual activity – is a common symptom of high mood in bipolar.

During a period of hypersexuality, you may find that you: 

  • think about sex a lot  
  • become more sexually active 
  • are more impulsive  
  • take more risks without thinking about the consequences 

In a Bipolar Commission survey of more than 1500 people living with bipolar:

88%

had experienced hypersexuality

54%

had had eight or more periods of hypersexuality

66%

said each period had lasted for a month or longer

When is a period of hypersexuality more likely to happen?  

For people living with bipolar, a period of hypersexuality can be triggered by lots of different factors, including:  

  • stress – caused by things like exams, bereavement, trauma or divorce 
  • change – caused by things like a new relationship or job, or a house move 
  • jetlag – if you fly across time zones 
  • substances – an excess of alcohol or caffeine, or illegal drug use 
  • medication – if you don’t take it regularly, or a prescription change

What does hypersexuality feel like? 

The signs and symptoms of bipolar are varied and unique to each individual. Here, one woman living with bipolar shares her experiences of hypomania:  

Despite being in a happy relationship with an amazing person, I was driven by a compulsion to cheat. I would approach strangers in bars and touch their hair flirtatiously. I downloaded dating apps, frantically meeting so many men. I was unsafe.”

AC

What causes a reduced need for sleep during hypomania?

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes hypersexuality during hypomania. 

A paper published in ‘Lancet Psychiatry’ links the symptom to the increased energy, impulsiveness, risk-taking and impaired judgment that are common during a period of high mood in bipolar. 

Researchers in ‘Molecular Psychiatry’ suggest that increased dopamine activity in the brain during hypomania may contribute to a heightened sex drive.  

Dopamine is involved in the brain’s reward and motivation systems and can reduce the ability to consider long-term consequences.

Is hypersexuality always a symptom of high mood in bipolar? 

An intense interest in sex and/or increased sexual activity is not always a sign of high mood. 

Your sexual desire and activity levels vary naturally over time, and can be influenced by many factors, including your age, relationship, hormones, physical health and stress

How do I know if hypersexuality is a symptom of hypomania?

Hypersexuality is more likely to be a symptom of hypomania if:  

  • feeling sexually confident is ‘out of character’ for you 
  • your self-esteem is higher than usual  
  • you have at least two other symptoms of hypomania at the same time
  • your increased interest in sex lasts for at least four days
  • you’ve had periods of hypersexual behaviour before 

What happens if I ignore a period of hypersexuality?

You may find that an increased sex drive and having more sex feels empowering and fun in the short-term. 

However, if you’re more sexually active, you may place yourself in risky or unsafe situations, which can lead to relationship breakdowns, sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, and experiences of sexual assaultx.   

Research has also found that, after the period of high mood has passed, the emotional consequences can be profound, with many people feeling regret, shame, self-blame and stigma, and having suicidal thoughts.

8 ways to manage suicidal thoughts

If your hypersexuality is a symptom of bipolar, ignoring a period of hypomania can:

  • disrupt your work, college or university life 
  • impact your relationships with family, friends and colleagues  
  • increase your risk of impulsive decision-making, such as reckless driving 
  • damage your long-term financial security due to overspending and risky investments 
  • lead to a manic episode, which usually needs treatment in hospital

Understand hypersexuality better by watching this webinar

What to do next 

  1. Use these tips to help you start to let go of any self-blame and stigma
  2. Track your mood with our free range of resources
  3. Get support from our friendly Peer Support team
  4. Book an appointment with your GP or psychiatrist as soon as you can

If you have a diagnosis of bipolar

Being aware of your individual pattern of triggers and symptoms is a key part of self-management. Taking action as soon as you notice the early warning signs of hypomania can help to reduce the risk of relapse.

Track your mood and symptoms

If you don’t have a diagnosis of bipolar

There isn’t a test or brain scan to confirm hypomania. A doctor can only make a diagnosis from a pattern of symptoms. Take the bipolar test to start to explore whether you may have bipolar and the steps you can take. 

Take the test

Sound familiar?

If you, or someone you know, experiences periods of hypersexuality, alongside increased energy and followed by low mood, it may be worth asking: Maybe it’s bipolar?

Take the bipolar test to explore whether bipolar could be worth looking into.

Take the bipolar test