Sex addiction clinic for Berlusconi?

ROME, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- The author of a book about Silvio Berlusconi's wife says aides to the Italian prime minister want him to get treated for sex addiction.

An updated version of "The Veronica Trend" by Maria Latella is scheduled to hit bookstores Wednesday, The Times of London reported. Veronica Lario, a former actress, has threatened to divorce Berlusconi.

In the book, Latella says some aides have suggested Berlusconi and Lario announce a formal separation, with Lario then privately working to help her husband. Berlusconi would stay for a week or two in a clinic specializing in sex addiction.

"This scenario hasn't been completely ruled out, and much will depend on how much the press -- above all overseas -- will continue to be fascinated by Berlusconi's private life," Latella said.

Lario told her divorce may be the only option, Latella said.

"I can't. He would tell me yet another lie and this time I couldn't stand it," Lario reportedly answered when Latella asked her why she did not try to talk to her husband. "I can't condemn myself to being his wet nurse, and now I can't stop him making himself look ridiculous in the eyes of the world."