Pornography and Depression: What's the Link?

The link between porn addiction and depression

Porn addiction is not currently a diagnosable condition according to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). ^[1] 

However, people who watch or use pornography excessively and compulsively may exhibit many symptoms of addiction, including: ^[1][2]

• Feeling unable to stop porn use
• Spending large amounts of time using porn
• Impairments in social or interpersonal relationships because of porn use
• Legal, financial, or professional issues because of porn use
• Physical or psychological issues relating to porn use

There is limited evidence to suggest that porn use can lead to depression. However, some research suggests that an excessive level of use, which could be considered a porn addiction, may be linked to various mental health conditions, including depression. Depression and porn addiction may share similar causes and lead to similar symptoms and impairments. ^[3][4]

Symptoms of depression can include: ^[5]

• Feeling very low in mood or empty
• Struggling to find pleasure or enjoyment in hobbies
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Issues with sleeping too much or too little
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Loss of energy

Symptoms of both porn addiction and depression can occur at the same time and have been shown in various studies to be linked. ^[4][6]

For example, one study showed that, among a group of college students, those who used the most porn experienced the most symptoms of depression and anxiety. Many of these individuals showed addictive behaviors, including dependence and preoccupation with using pornography, as well as impairments in social functioning. This suggests a link between porn addiction and depression. ^[4]

Is depression a symptom or cause of porn addiction?

It is unlikely that porn addiction causes depression or vice versa, although the two may impact one another concurrently. People with mental health conditions may be more likely to engage in addictive behaviors, such as porn addiction. Inversely, people with addictions may be more likely to experience mental health issues, such as depression. ^[4][6]

This can be due to shared contributing factors, such as: ^[2][3]

• Brain chemistry, such as serotonin and dopamine imbalances
• Adverse events and trauma in childhood
• Loneliness and isolation
• Feelings of shame and guilt

Additionally, feelings of shame and guilt, along with poor social interaction, can be worsened by excessive porn use, particularly if this goes against religious beliefs or morals. As such, this may worsen symptoms of depression. As symptoms of depression worsen, individuals may become increasingly isolated, which can then contribute to an increase in porn use. ^[6][7]

As with substance use disorders, porn addiction can impact dopamine levels. Initially, porn use may cause an increased release of dopamine, but over time, a tolerance can develop, causing less and less enjoyment with each use. This can also impact the ability to feel pleasure and enjoyment from other activities, which may contribute to symptoms of depression. ^[2]

Dopamine and serotonin: Neurotransmitters that may affect depression & porn addiction

One key element in the development of depression is brain chemistry, particularly imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for regulating mood, pleasure, sleep, memory, and appetite.^[5][8][9] Similarly, substances or activities that elevate dopamine and serotonin levels can become addictive for some people, and excessive porn consumption may have this effect.

Recent research has highlighted that while imbalances in neurotransmitters play a role in both depression and addiction, their impact was initially overestimated.^[10][11] The current understanding acknowledges a more complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors--e.g., genetic predispositions, mental health conditions, trauma, and social influences--in the development of these conditions.^[15][16]

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of many functions, including mood, sleep, and appetite. Common symptoms of depression include low mood and changes in sleep and appetite, which are believed to be linked to serotonin levels. ^[8]

The serotonin theory of depression has been influential for several decades. This theory states that a serotonin imbalance is responsible for the development of depression. This idea has been reinforced by the fact that many antidepressant medications target serotonin levels and can be an effective treatment for many individuals. ^[9]

In recent years, this theory has been increasingly contested, with many believing the role of serotonin to be less significant than previously thought. Serotonin imbalances may impact depression symptoms for some people, although this is unlikely to be true in all cases. ^[8][9]

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of functions such as memory and attention, pleasure, and motivation. Dopamine is heavily involved in the brain’s reward circuit and is released when pleasurable activities are experienced, to reinforce behaviors. ^[10]

A common symptom of depression is a reduced ability to feel pleasure from previously enjoyable activities (known as anhedonia). It is believed that dopamine imbalances are involved in the development of this symptom, due to the role of dopamine in the experience of pleasure. ^[10][11]

This belief is supported by evidence to suggest that anhedonia is commonly a difficult symptom to treat with antidepressant medications, which mostly target serotonin and not dopamine. As is the case with serotonin, it is likely that dopamine imbalances contribute to the development of depression symptoms for some people, but not all. ^[10][11]

Signs pornography use may be causing depression

Using pornography is not likely to cause any physical or psychological harm to the individual or others. However, if porn use becomes excessive and the individual exhibits addictive behaviors, this can lead to new or worsening symptoms of depression or other psychological or social issues. ^[3]

Signs that porn use is contributing to psychological harm and depression symptoms may include: ^[2][3][5]

• Tolerance development: Feeling less pleasure from using porn, thereby requiring increasing amounts.
• Reduced pleasure: Being unable to feel pleasure or enjoyment from other activities that may previously have been enjoyable, such as hobbies or socializing.
• Isolating: Choosing to avoid social situations to instead use porn.
• Impaired professional functioning: Being unable to complete professional roles or other responsibilities, because of a preoccupation with or use of porn.
• Relationship difficulties: Experiencing issues with romantic partners, such as losing attraction or sexual desires, or partners becoming distressed by porn use.
• Obsession: Thinking about porn use excessively, being preoccupied and unable to think of anything else, and needing to use porn compulsively, becoming distressed when unable to.
• Risky behaviors: Engaging in risky or harmful behaviors to satisfy desires to use porn.

Porn withdrawal and depression

Reducing and stopping addictive behaviors can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Porn addiction withdrawal has not been widely studied so the effects of stopping porn use are currently unclear. However, some studies have investigated this in an attempt to determine these effects.

For example, one study found that people who regularly used porn and undertook a 7-day abstinence experienced effects that could be considered withdrawal symptoms. These effects included changes in mood such as depression, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and stress, along with insomnia, decreased motivation, and impaired cognitive abilities. ^[12]

These symptoms closely resemble the symptoms of depression, suggesting that porn addiction withdrawal may cause or worsen symptoms of depression, although this requires further investigation. ^[5][12]

Getting help for depression and porn addiction

If symptoms of depression, porn use, or both are becoming worse, impacting daily, social, or professional functioning, or causing harm to yourself or others, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. Speaking to a professional can help you find appropriate support in managing your mood and behaviors.

Medications

Medications can be prescribed to help treat symptoms of depression, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram. Other antidepressants may also be prescribed, such as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or atypical antidepressants. ^[5][13]

Antidepressant medications are also sometimes prescribed to treat other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), so could be helpful porn addiction treatments, depending on the individual and their circumstance. ^[13]

Therapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is often a helpful intervention for various mental health conditions, including depression and behavioral addictions. Often, a combination of medication and therapy can be the most effective treatment. Psychological interventions for depression and porn addiction may include: ^[5][14]

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals recognize and alter harmful behaviors, manage underlying causes, and learn helpful coping strategies.
• Group therapy: Support groups and group therapies can be a helpful intervention, particularly for people with addictive behaviors. This type of intervention can provide support and socialization and help to reduce feelings of shame.
• Family or couple’s therapy: Attending therapy with family members or partners can be helpful for people with depression or porn addiction. These conditions can impact interpersonal relationships, so therapy can provide skills to improve communication, help improve understanding and support, provide a safe space for loved ones to express how the individual’s condition impacts them, and help prevent relapse and maintain recovery.