Short answer: "Porn addiction" is a common phrase, but the formal term in the World Health Organization's ICD-11 is compulsive sexual behaviour disorder. Clinicians look for a persistent pattern of failing to control intense, repetitive urges, lasting a long time (six months or more is given as an example), that causes marked distress or real damage to daily life. Watching a lot, or feeling guilty about it, is not enough on its own.
This guide explains those signs in plain language. It cannot diagnose you, and only a qualified professional can. If you recognise yourself below, that is a reason to look at your options calmly, not a reason for shame.
A clinical review of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD) published on PubMed Central quotes the ICD-11 description. The core feature is a "persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges" that results in repetitive sexual behaviour. According to the same review, symptoms may include sexual activity becoming a central focus of the person's life, continuing despite adverse consequences, and numerous unsuccessful efforts to cut back. For the diagnosis, the pattern must also:
The review also notes that among people who seek treatment for CSBD, more than 80% report problematic pornography use. That is why the two ideas are linked in everyday language, even though ICD-11 does not use the words "porn addiction".
None of these proves anything by itself. What matters is the pattern, and how much it costs you.
These are plain-language readings of the criteria above, not a checklist from a clinic.
The ICD-11 criteria exclude distress that is entirely related to moral judgments and disapproval about sexual urges or behaviour. In plain terms, feeling guilty because of your upbringing, religion, or values is real and worth respecting, but on its own it is not the same as losing control. The review adds that some clinicians think this exclusion needs more study, so the line is not settled. A therapist can help you sort out which part of your distress comes from which source.
Also on its own, these are not proof: a high number of hours, watching regularly, or a single bad week.
This is not a clinical screen and no score means anything. Over the last few months, ask yourself honestly:
If several of the first four are a clear yes, it is worth talking to someone. If the fifth is mostly about disapproval, talking to a counsellor can still help, just with a different focus.
The same review describes psychotherapy as the basis of care. The cognitive behavioural components it lists include psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, self-regulation training, mindfulness, and relapse prevention. It also says medication, such as SSRIs or naltrexone, is sometimes considered but is off-label and rests on limited evidence: one randomised controlled trial and one open-label trial. Any medication decision belongs with a doctor.
In the UK, the NHS says cognitive behavioural therapy is free for many problems and that you do not need a formal diagnosis. For some conditions such as anxiety and depression you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP, if you are 18 or over (16 in some areas). The same review reports high rates of anxiety, mood, and substance use problems alongside CSBD, so it is worth mentioning how you have been feeling in general. Elsewhere, a GP, family doctor, or a licensed therapist with experience in compulsive sexual behaviour is a good first step. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line right away.
For practical self-help alongside professional support, see our plan: https://mamoriblocker.com/guides/how-to-stop-watching-porn/
Is porn addiction a real diagnosis?
ICD-11 includes compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, with specific criteria, under impulse control disorders. "Porn addiction" is a popular label rather than a formal term there, and researchers still debate how best to describe it. A licensed professional is the right person to assess whether it fits.
How do I know if I am addicted?
You cannot tell from hours watched alone. Look at control, consequences, and distress over a long period, then talk to a professional if the pattern fits.
Does feeling guilty mean I have a problem?
Not by itself. The ICD-11 criteria exclude distress that comes entirely from moral disapproval. Guilt is still worth understanding, ideally with a counsellor.
Can a blocker fix it?
A blocker can make it harder to reach, which helps with urges and slips. It does not treat the reasons behind them, so it works best alongside the steps above.
If you decide you want to make it harder to reach, Mamori is one more layer. It is not a treatment, and it will not fix the reasons behind an urge.
Honest limits: Android allows only one VPN at a time, so another VPN or blocker that takes the slot can switch Mamori's filter off. No blocker replaces support from people or a therapist. For a child's phone, use Screen Time or Family Link as the base layer, since Mamori is built for adults who want to block it for themselves.
There is a 7-day free trial on the monthly and annual plans, plus a one-time lifetime option. No account, no tracking.
Last checked 11 Oct 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice.