Is Anthony Weiner an Addict or Just an Ass?

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Few fellow Democrats have rallied to his defense, in part because Weiner’s arrogant and self-righteous style has won him few friends in his own party. The Republicans, who reflexively circled the wagons during the rash of recent sex scandals embroiling GOP congressman, are predictably demanding his resignation—they would like nothing better than to be rid of one of the few liberal attack dogs on Capitol Hill. (But despite all the piling on in the press, no one has suggested an actual incident of intercourse.) For his part, even as Weiner considers treatment, he firmly refuses to blame his behavior on any disorder or addiction. He insists that he had never had a physical relationship with any of the woman involved in the story, stating, "I've never had sex outside my marriage."

But that doesn't necessarily mean he doesn't have some type of sexual behavior problem.

Mental health professionals are all abuzz debating Weiner's actions. Some call them self-sabotage and thrill-seeking. Patrick Wanis, a human behavior expert, tells the New York Daily News that Weiner seems to have been more interested in feeling powerful. "What we are seeing is a new pattern of these people who are very powerful in their position, but they seem to lack power in their personal relationships," said Wanis.

Susan Cheever, a regular columnist for The Fix, is the author of many books, including the memoirs Home Before Dark and Note Found in a Bottle, and the biography My Name Is Bill: Bill Wilson—His Life and the Creation of Alcoholics Anonymous.