It is equally difficult to focus on such aftereffects of betrayals as flashbacks, depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, addiction and compulsion, and painful interpersonal relationships.

FORBES: Caring For Survivors of Boyhood Sexual Abuse Is The Next Step In The Penn State Case

Most compulsive shoppers have other problems as well, including depression, anxiety or other addictions, including compulsive sexual behavior, Internet addiction or compulsive gambling.

CNN: The dark side of shopping

About 80 percent of sex addiction cases have sexual abuse or emotional trauma in their backgrounds, said Doug Weiss, therapist and executive director of the Heart to Heart Counseling Center.

CNN: When sex becomes an addiction

You taught us that it is okay to talk about our problems openly by inviting famous guests who confessed to all sorts of addiction, depression, abuse and sexual orientation.

FORBES: Dear Oprah, What Will We Do Without You?

Naturally occurring chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin do contribute to sexual functioning, but it's not clear how they are related to sex addiction.

CNN: When sex becomes an addiction