The DSM IV has no diagnosis of Nymphomania. Many might say the whole concept is either a male fantasy or a male fear (or perhaps a little of both?). There are a few disorders which may include hyper-sexuality, including Bipolar Disorder (during the manic phase). Some people can become sex addicts, which is viewed and treated the same as other addictions (12 step groups, etc). Sexual Desire Disorders, listed in the DSM IV, are all, interestingly enough, defined in the negative (too little desire). About the closest one might come officially would be Sexual Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, a truly unsatisfactory answer, I would guess. One last possibility, given what I know about the subject of your book, would be (and this is, of course, all speculation) Borderline Personality Disorder, which includes intense reactivity in relationships, unstable self-image, angry outbursts, etc. One should not overlook the possibility, given the time period she lived, that she simply had a healthy sexual appetite and was unwilling to supress it for the comfort of others. Hope that helps PS: I've never heard of "nymphomania" being considered a genetic issue.
Sincerely,
Sean M. Benedict. MFT
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