Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem are associated with porn addiction. The addiction perpetuates a cycle in which compulsive behavior is exacerbated by emotional struggles, and the mental health of the individual is further impacted. Therapy, mindfulness, and the identification of fundamental causes are all necessary for the process of breaking the cycle.

While porn addiction is not formally recognized as a diagnosable condition, a growing number of people struggle with problematic porn use, and describe experiences very similar to other types of addiction. For example, compulsive and excessive porn use, urges to watch it, and continued porn use despite negative consequences are all common experiences for people who report an addiction to porn.