Abstract
In this chapter, we review current conceptualizations of female sexual interest/arousal disorder, which is new to DSM-5, with a focus on recent empirical and theoretical advances. In particular, we refer to the results of epidemiological and clinical studies and to the current controversy surrounding this new diagnosis. We provide a detailed description of the many biological and psychosocial factors that contribute to decreased sexual interest and arousal in women. Finally, we suggest that a comprehensive assessment is critical to the development of a strong treatment plan for women with this disorder.
Within the context of this chapter, sexual interest refers to the motivation to engage in sexual activity. Interest is commonly referred to as “desire,” “sex drive,” and “sexual appetite,” and it describes the sexual feelings motivating a person to seek some type of sexual activity, whether partnered or alone. Sexual arousal is defined by both physical and mental readiness for sexual activity. Mental sexual arousal refers to the psychological state of feeling “turned on,” and physiological arousal involves changes that occur in the body to prepare for a sexual interaction (vaginal swelling and lubrication). The absence of either mental or physiological arousal may cause significant distress.
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Meston, C.M., Stanton, A.M. (2017). Evaluation of Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder. In: IsHak, W. (eds) The Textbook of Clinical Sexual Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52539-6_10
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