An analysis of sexual anorexia, an excessive dread of sexual intimacy and an obsessive avoidance of sex, by the recognized leader in the treatment of compulsive sexual behavior and recovery. This is the first time that sexual anorexia has been the subject of such an investigation.

The author, Dr. Patrick Carnes, begins by defining sexual anorexia and demonstrating how it and its parallel disorder, sexual addiction and compulsivity, often arise from a background of childhood sexual trauma, neglect, and other forms of abuse. He then goes on to show how sexual anorexia and its parallel disorder, sexual addiction and compulsivity, are related disorders. Carnes investigates the multiple facets of sexual health, focusing on the key problems that need to be handled before rehabilitation can progress.

Carnes creates clear tasks and goals for restoring nurturing and sensuality, forming satisfying relationships, exploring intimacy, and generating healthy sexuality by drawing on considerable research and elaborating on case studies. Stories of recovery are interspersed throughout the book to demonstrate sexual healing concepts, model new behavior, and promote motivation for change. Those who suffer from Sexual Anorexia are able to see that sexuality does not have to be a secret foe that must be confronted and vanquished, but rather that it may be a profoundly sensuous, passionate, and rewarding experience that all human beings are inherently entitled to have.