When applied to online pornography, it contributes to its development and maintenance 129,130. In regard to the manifestations of these alterations in sexual behavior, most neuropsychological studies show some kind of indirect or direct consequence in executive function 126,127, possibly as a consequence of prefrontal cortex alterations . This attentional bias to sexual cues is predominant in early hypersexual individuals , but a repeated exposure to them shows in turn desensitization 111,112. The role of cue reactivity and craving in the development of cybersex addiction have been corroborated in heterosexual female and homosexual male samples .
Treatment for pornography addiction involves a combination of psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), support groups, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication, tailored to the individual’s specific needs and addressing underlying mental health issues. While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered by many clinicians to be useful in treating hypersexual disorder , a study that involved problematic online pornography users failed to achieve a reduction of the behavior , even if the severity of comorbid depressive symptoms and general quality of life was improved. While the psychological community in the U.S. doesn’t agree on whether porn addiction should be classified as a mental health disorder, the World Health Organization considers it a compulsive sexual behavior disorder.