Sexual Inhibitions

Freud first wrote of sexual inhibition over 100 years ago, believing many emotional problems arose from not allowing a reasonable outlet for our biological sexual drives. He correctly identified the psychic manifestation of drives and established the universality of human libido. A goal of treatment was to come to peace with our drives and find a healthy outlet.
Inhibitions arise from guilt and shame, a damaged sense of self and fear of external condemnation. This prevents a person from seeking gratification and causes internal conflicts and drives are repressed. In depth psychotherapy still centers around these conflicts.
Sexual abuse and overstimulation in children also cause inhibitions in adults. This is often mixed with periods of promiscuity. Many adults with unresolved abuse become “sexual anorexics” and abstain. While this is not physically damaging, it does cut off one of the primary enjoyments of adult life.
Inhibitions and abuse are treatable in proper therapy, but are time consuming and expensive. This is always weighed against the cost of an empty life. These treatments work.