DRD4 Gene and Sex Addiction
A recent Israeli study has found a connection between sex drive and the DRD4 gene (also known as the dopamine D4 receptor gene), which has a role in the way the brain uses the neurotransmitter dopamine.
In a study of 148 male and female students the Hebrew University and Ben Gurion University of the Negev, around 30 per cent of those studied carried a variation of the DRD4 gene that also correlates with stronger sex drive. Other variants were associated with a decrease in sexual desire, arousal, and function. The Israeli researchers found that men thought about sex more often than women on average, but both had similar levels of arousal. The DRD4 gene has also been linked to other addictive behaviours such as gambling.
What I liked most was Dr. Richard Ebstein’s interpretation of the data:
If you have a lower sex drive, it does not necessarily mean you should go to see a sex therapist to see if something is wrong with you.
As long as it is not causing a problem in your life, may be you don’t have a problem. If it does not bother you or interfere with your life, then maybe you are best to just live with it.
After all, if you are not good at music, you don’t keep on trying to play the saxophone.
Interesting analogy….
Daily Mail, May 26, 2006
News@HebrewU, Mary 26, 2006
Technorati Tags: sex, sex addiction, sex drive, genetics, genes, disease, health, dna
This study can be very helpful in generalizing the psychological fallout from different sexual drives. So often, the different libido issues press on a relationship, with one person often feeling there is something wrong if their desire is less or more than the partner’s.
Deb: So true! IMO, some people make sex too much a central feature of relationships. I hope this will help some couples find a peaceable understanding.
I love the drd4 gene keeps me busy during the weekend!!!! MUAH
XOXO
Fascinating how genetics can explain so much and of our behavior and we live under the illusion of free will. I on the other hand still think that genes aren’t the bible of our behaviour. Upbringing, internalised values and socialisation do have some play too. While the DRD4 gene may have some effect on sex addiction i think society plays a part in deciding wheter that addiction develops or not, beside i’m sure not every sex addict out there has this variation of the gene.