Nymphomania is the name of what was believed to be a psychological disorder in women characterized by an overactive
libido and an obsession with
sex. In men the disorder is called
satyriasis. As with all psychological disorders, this was only considered an illness if it is sufficient to prevent the sufferer from living a normal life.
Nymphomania is no longer listed as a specific disorder in the DSM-IV, although hypersexuality in either sex can be viewed as a symptom of other disorders, such as bipolar disorder
See also: Hysteria, Erotomania