By Sunita Menon, Psychotherapist - Specialised in CBT & Sex Therapy
In my practice I see more clients with behavioural addictions than chemical addictions. The definition of addiction is constantly evolving. DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) has a chapter titled ‘Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders’ reflecting both chemical and behavioural addictions. The latest addition to this chapter being Gambling addiction. Other behavioural addictions include Internet Gaming, Social Media, Sex, Pornography and Cybersex, Love (an obsessive unhealthy preoccupation with a loved one), Non-suicidal Self-Injury, Food, Exercise, Work and Shopping.
