Could CHEATING be caused by a mental illness?

Question

Justacatlady · Accepted Answer

Interesting thought. I think perhaps it could be perpetuated by a mental illness. I do think that most people who cheat have had a trauma whether it be abandonment or death. Something in their life created a void where their self worth is supposed to be and they fill it with affirmation from others.
The beginning of relationships is always exciting. It’s the part where both people are doing their best to impress so it makes you feel good. Then the long term affairs are secretive which I think gives a rush of adrenaline to be doing something you shouldn’t. All those things release dopamine which makes the person feel good for a time. Substituting the lack of worth for a moment.

sejla · Accepted Answer

Yes. Some mental health issues involved impulse control issues or delusional behavior. People who have untreated bipolar can go into sexual overdrive when they are on the high. Also, if a person is prescribed a medication that doesn't work with their system they can get over stimulated. Or most people are told not to mix street drugs, other meds or alcohol with psychiatric drugs but some people don't listen making them lose control of their inhibitions.

These cases i think are minority. I think most people choose to cheat.

SomeGuyCalledTom · Accepted Answer

Seems like everything bad nowadays can be blamed on some newly-invented mental illness. Maybe people should just accept personal responsibility for their choices and realise that when they do shitty things, shit comes back round to them sooner or later. Perhaps someone with some pre-existing mental illness could be more likely to engage in risk-taking activities like cheating, doing drugs, etc, but to say mental illness *causes* cheating just sounds absurd to me.

LesterJester · Accepted Answer

Right... Let's make another excuse to allow justification for cheating.

Wasn't my fault... I have a mental disorder.

Then they can go out and cheat even more, but not having to worry about hiding the fact that they are.

Apparently you cna make up a disorder for everything these days.

Cynicaldreamer · Answer

Don't make excuses for them coach: cheaters just need to learn how to control their damn hormones and urges, or just leave their partners if they're unsatisfied.

SydneySentinel · Answer

Maybe. Doesn't make it okay though.

SuperManiac · Answer

I went with "no" but I wasn't operating scientifically in my answer; I was answering based on values. It's like perhaps mental illness causes people to become serial killers. Actually I think there's an abundance of data suggesting that is the case.

Yet I don't like the idea of "cause". It might degrade our overall sense of accountability to one that finds endless reasons to justify unwanted actions. It's like if I'm in a managerial position, I don't care if someone's mental illness constantly causes them to be late. I can't be so compassionate here because I need them to show up on time. They have a responsibility to fulfill, not just to me but to the firm, to their colleagues, to themselves, to everyone.

So I am not in favor of the language of "causes" behind the misbehavior. They can be useful to study from a scientific perspective to try to gain insight into the psychology and perhaps prevent undesirable behaviors. Yet, from a value perspective, I don't like the language of "cause". I prefer the language of "chose" in all cases because I think that discourages unwanted behaviors and encourages accountability far better than the language of "cause".

Massageman · Answer

There are several mental illnesses associated with behavior that GO WITH cheating.

Just because someone has a mental illness doesn’t mean that they WILL cheat, and not all cheating is DUE to mental illness. Although you want to find a cause and effect link behind cheating, those links aren’t that clear. Mental illnesses CAN set the stage for problems, yet the cheater STILL MAKES THE CHOICE.

With mental illness, either their emotional or mental self control are lacking. In some cases, their reasoning ability is lacking. Either way, they end up acting either impulsively or loosing control of themselves.

Besides mental illnesses, there are also some cases of cheating involving brain damage. These can occur with brain traumas and situations where brain function has been changed. Depending on the section of the brain involved, there may be issues occurring resulting in affairs.

Although it’s more convenient to blame the mental illness, brain damage, or even family history of cheating, the role played by volitional CHOICES has to be considered.

Moonchild714 · Answer

Yes many Mental Health Diseases can result in Cheating, such as BiPolar Disorder, Dissociative Disorders, Addictions (Substance, Sexual, & Gambling as well as others). However, if you already know you have a Mental Illness and don't get treatment or refuse tge correct treatment and suggestions than youbare 100% at Fault for ALL YOUR ACTIONS!!! If you are doing something that you regret and refuse to see why You are Ignoring the Problem and therefore 100% at FAULT!!! Many with Dissociative Disorders and other Mental Health Diagnoses go In-Patient to treat the Disease and be away from the Public and out of Harms Way!!!

MistiGal · Answer

Answering your question is definitely a NO!
The question you should be asking your friend if he has any other personal or health issues that would contribute to his cheating. It also sounds as though there are issues in his relationship if this is what has been happening.

Wharvey98 · Answer

All cheating no, but certain mental illnesses can make it more likely that you will cheat. And certain mental illnesses even take it out of your control. Many illnesses like Bipolar, schizophrenia, and even some physical or neurological disorders such as epilepsy, dementia, and Parkinson’s have been linked to compulsive sexual behavior and hyper sexuality. None of these disorders guarantee it but it’s always possible. Then there’s always the possability of developing hyper sexual symptoms on their own.

Price511 · Answer

Technically speaking, there are various ways it could occur via mental illness.

Disassociative personalities taking over and then next thing you know when you regain control that you cheated, you're depressed and you turn to alcohol and then have drunken sex with another person, anxiety for not fitting into society's norms by not having sex at your age and then somebody comes along and offers it when your partner isn't comfortable to do it yet, etc.

But eh, I could be wrong. I'm not a guru at mental health, that's moreso psychiatrists, I think. If I am wrong, then please correct me (with good reasoning) so I can get a better understanding of it.

Bananaman177 · Answer

Not just a psychological illness, but a real medical issue like a brain tumor or cyst:

I saw this Ted Talk a long time ago and I can't stop wondering how many criminals and murderers throughout History may have simply had an undiagnosed brain cyst. Just an interesting thought, but with scary implications.

Chadnelson1973 · Answer

No it's caused by someone who is selfish and doesn't care. I've never cheated
Why cheat it's not worth the price. You then havey and fix it and that may not be possible as the trust has been broken.
If there's kids in a relationship they have a right to know that both parents are going to be faithful to each but also them. If you cheat and there's kids you have also cheated on the kids.
So it's not worth the risk to cheat weather you are dating or are married.
Cheating is not caused by a chemical imbalance , it's not caused by

stardust101 · Answer

Not all mentally ill people cheat and not all cheaters are mentally ill. However, cheating is caused mainly by the ego and unfulfilled desires. Just because we desire something doesn’t mean we should get it. I desire all sorts of stuff, but just because I desire something, doesn’t mean it’s good for me. This is why our conscience is important and we should utilize our brains more and listen to it rather than the ego. The ego is very destructive if not maintained

SueAnon84 · Answer

I think it's more of a conscious choice to cheat. A SELFISH and conscious choice at that.

lovedejj_xo · Answer

Borderline personality and bipolar especially in manic can set off a lot of sexual impulses and I’ve seen it in clients. I wouldn’t say it’s caused by just mental health and All mental health because then that becomes an excuse. But infidelity is common with certain disorders.

lightbulb27 · Answer

Emotional illness, thus mental... sure. It could be caused by conditioning and training and thus from the persons frame of reference, is ok... e. g. they won't change until they have no other choice.

Maybe it's caused by "screwatitis bunchatroubla" bacteria? im kidding...

Battooot · Answer

i think a lot a lot can come into factor.  for example you have my situation (which by the way i just posted and am going through it and want opinions on it if you could help out!)

ret04 · Answer

Well it's kind of known to be. Primarily, narcissistic people tend to cheat the most, they've very deceptive and manipulative. Then there's insecure people, desperate people, depressed people, etc. Not many who are the picture of mental health are known to go behind someone's back like that.

UnicornLobotomy · Answer

Could cheating cause mental illness? Yes. Which came first and to whom would vary from individual to individual. Sexual assault and trauma, sexual or relationship related, like divorce/custody issues/infidelity all lead to emotional issues, call it mental illness temporary or permanent and differ in severity. Severity usually proportional to the severity of the trauma the person experienced. Hurt people hurt people, usually not consciously, unless they are a sadistic narcissist.

GuidoThePizzaMaker · Answer

Tired of people calling all sorts of mental lapses, mental illness
Its an excuse in my opinion.

Cheating is caused by a lack of honor, duty, or respect. When men cheat its because they are incapable of controlling themselves. When women do it, its because they are satisfied with their partner.

Its about lack of character not mental illness.

winterfox10 · Answer

Sometimes it is! Other times, and maybe even most times; it's caused by one person's feeling like the need to fulfill certain obligations, but recognizing that they won't ever be happy in their current arrangement. Most cheating is actually done as a way to stay, as weird as that sounds.

lernulo · Answer

nymphomanie is called.

If I had a partner with it, I would have to help her, and believe me, they will pass it much worse that me, because... A person with nymphomanie can't choose their victim, they just want their dose, so... Wanting to go out is one of the first thing a person like that would like.

Badballie · Answer

IT IS A CHOICE. Sad to say, you only get tired of sex with the same women that has a perfect body for you, out of a feeling of power dominating as many women as YOU CAN. Or you are a useless lover, with the same women, sex only gets better and better. You possibly have early ejaculation and physcological issues, go to a sex therapist, or a hot call girl that will teach you how to truly satisfy the lady and yourself.

Anonymous · Answer

It could be with some people, but I think it usually boils down to a lack of self control and also being self absorbed.

Lyndsielee666 · Answer

I’ll just leave this here

markscott · Answer

I don't know if "caused by" is exactly correct, but if someone has bipolar disorder, it often manifests, in part, by the person being hyper-sexual. That is, being much more willing to engage in sex than usual, and often seeking out sexual encounters.

MoscowMitch · Answer

It's possible someone could cheat while they were suffering from a mental illness. That's not the same thing as establishing cause and effect so I voted no. I'm not saying they wouldn't try to use it as an excuse but I'm not aware of any mental illness that causes people to cheat.

SincerelyAnon · Answer

Maybe 🤔 if it's a sex addiction plus mental then again... Some mental illness behaviors are listed as reckless and dangerous so it could be a symptom of that.

akiflyer · Answer

Pretty sure cheating is the natural order of things and humans are just trying to apply humanity to it. Most primates aren't monogamous. So no, it's nature vs nurture.

Dongtai · Answer

In theory sure. A person with a split personality could potentially have one persona that’s a serial cheater while the other is completely loving and faithful.

Avicenna · Answer

I wouldn't reject the notion out of hand, but that presumes that monogamy is biologically normal for humans rather than enforced largely by social pressure. For this reason, I find it doubtful.

Wowgirl30q · Answer

Like impulse control? Or beyond like a deviant? One is more chemical deviant behavior is more cognitive thought process and applied behavior so depends on your angle coach😀

Anonymous · Answer

Hell NO cheating is caused by selfish  A holes who have no respect for their partner or their relationship it is not nor will it ever be caused by mental illness

Shuri · Answer

Yes, it's called "I'm-A-Shitty-Ass-Person Disorder" We need to stop making excuses or looking for reasons why some people are terrible

WhiteShoulder · Answer

No. Not out of his control. A conscious reasoned act.

GraveDoll · Answer

I hear that it can. Does it mean i can accept that. No. I would not even allow that to be on the table of excuses.

cavmanier · Answer

I don't think so. I believe cheating is more motivated by pleasure--especially for men. Women often seem to cheat to try to trade up.

Mollynotgemma · Answer

I think that would be used as an excuse to get away with it! If you genuinely think you have this mental illness then don’t get into a relationship.

Agape93 · Answer

Not on its own but self destructive behavior that includes cheating is a sign of various personality disorders

Hamsteroids · Answer

Nope. It’s caused by sheer stupidity, not to mention lack of common sense and empathy

ImagineSketchy · Answer

Nope. Some people just are not programmed for monogamy. In fact there are several animals that are rather polyamorous.

1828avaava1828 · Answer

Hmm 🤔 I could give a long explanation of my opinion, but instead I respectfully bow out from the question. Good night coach Tony!!

CandacePerry · Answer

Maybe but I seen some people that has learning disabilities also Cheated in my experience.

GhettoGirl · Answer

Hmmm, that'd be F---d up but what the hey, maybe that was it. I was retarded.

NicoD · Answer

Fuck no that's an excuse to cheat and if you fall for it then you're the crazy dumb ass who needs to be in a psych ward heavily medicated stupid muthafucka

JKingOff · Answer

sure if the person has a memory disorder that causes them to forget who they married and they end up hooking up with someone else routinely.

Mixedlove21 · Answer

Could be but I won’t be the one to believe it. 🤷🏽‍♀️ unless he is known for being a sex addict but who would be with someone like that anyway

gothgirl997 · Answer

Yes, it can be caused by nymphomania/hypersexuality

Anonymous · Answer

Possibly yeah. It certainly seems to relate to a lack of will power and contientiousness as well as poor communication.

SirRexington · Answer

I mean certain personality disorders have a predisposition to it.

dreamstar72 · Answer

No, an "overactive dick or pussy" is the cause in most cases. Mental illness is a excuse people use.

ivysandy · Answer

No, I don't think so, you cheat because you chose to do it, it a choice you can either say yes or no to it.

Jackjohnson89 · Answer

Most caused by dating shi t people or from. stress in a relationship... doesn't make it right but does happe n. I've cheated once it really isn't worth jt

Anonymous · Answer

Something you are lacking in current one so you look elsewhere? Like if you feel you might not be right for eachother. It’s hard to put into words.

SunnyCaliGirl · Answer

No cheating is cheating and your a butt hole if you cheat

Gavyn · Answer

Yeah, it's called Asshole Syndrome, or ASS for short.

OddBeMe · Answer

Sex addiction is a thing. But like in court, suffering from a mental illness doesn’t make you innocent.

Twalli · Answer

It cam be on certain cases, but mostly it's another reason. And it is always the Chester's fault, even if it has dime connections to a mental illness.

JMuhammad · Answer

Nymphomania and your partner cannot keep up. Plural marriage can solve that problem.

robertKugler · Answer

We are all mentally ill... To some degree.. some to the tenth power to think think this crazy world is run by sane people is a sickest in its self..

OfDeath · Answer

Sex addiction is a mental health issue so the answer is obviously yes. Didn't you know that?

OLDandWISER · Answer

Cheating is a natural human behavior. But I guess mental illness could make a human cheat.. again...

Could CHEATING be caused by a mental illness?

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