Reader’s Question

I have what I believe to be a chemical imbalance of dopamine from excessive sexual activity. I am 34 and think this problem has been building up for years and I failed to recognize it. My symptoms are:

• Feeling of being wired all the time.
• My brain moves at 100 mph. I am in a constant state of arousal.
• Extremely dissatisfied with sex life. Always wanting more and more. It’s never good enough.
• Easily irritable, frustrated and angry at spouse when she’s not interested. Then, there is a major feeling that I am not ‘wanted or desired or loved’. I take this rejection as a personal insult.
• I have been getting headaches for a number of years.
• Eyes burn. Red. Watery. Scratchy. Can’t focus.
• Nervousness.

Sex has always been an important part of my life but I think it may be the contributing factor of my symptoms. Just recently, I experimented not having an orgasm for about 2 to 3 days and the mind calmed down and things became clearer. I felt like a better person. I continued slowing my sexual activity and physically I felt better. Mentally, I was becoming a wreck (irritable, etc). Unfortunately, after that experiment, it has been a difficult emotional roller coaster as I realize I am not in control of my sex life. Instead, it has control over me. How can I achieve a good balance? I have thought of seeing a Neurologist or Psychologist as I truly believe, something chemical related is out of whack causing my symptoms. Please comment.

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

Key symptoms here are a constant state of arousal, brain going 100 mph, hypersexuality, irritability, anger, emotional roller coaster, etc. This may reflect a hypomanic state. Elevations on dopamine, while producing hypomania and this constant state of arousal, also produces severe social hypersensitivity. Folks become thin-skinned and are personally offended by minor comments or even looks/glances.

While signs of hypomania may be present, the additional signs of burning, red eyes, watery, scratchy eyes may suggest that your reaction may have some allergy or other-reactive components. Medications, exposure to chemicals, and medical conditions can often accidentally increase dopamine.

I would recommend consultation with a psychiatrist. As a medical physician, a psychiatrist is best suited to diagnosis a situation that has both medical and psychiatric components. While awaiting consultation, I would advise you to be very cautious. Hypomania, if present, is often accompanied by sexual misbehavior, spending sprees, get-rich-quick schemes, severe suspiciousness, and social outbursts. Be aware that you are experiencing a risky situation and take steps to make sure you don’t engage in behaviors that may harmful.