Sexual Dysfunctions And DSM-5 Review

Sexual Dysfunctions And Dsm 5review The Sexual Dysfunctions Listed In

Review the sexual dysfunctions listed in the DSM-5. Choose one dysfunction and develop a hypothetical case based on that dysfunction. After watching Portraits in Human Sexuality: Sexual Dysfunction and Therapy, describe a client briefly, such as a 25-year-old Hispanic female or a 56-year-old African American male, and apply DSM-5 criteria for the selected sexual dysfunction. Discuss how you might address those challenges.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Sexual dysfunctions are a significant aspect of mental health and human sexuality, with various conditions delineated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These dysfunctions can cause distress and impair functioning, affecting individuals across all demographics and ages. The DSM-5 categorizes sexual dysfunctions into specific disorders such as Erectile Disorder, Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder, Premature (Early) Ejaculation, and others. This paper focuses on Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder, developing a hypothetical case to illustrate diagnostic criteria and exploring therapeutic approaches to address the challenges faced by affected individuals.

Description of the Sexual Dysfunction: Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder is characterized by a persistent or recurrent absence of sexual interest and arousal, marked by at least three of the following symptoms over a period of six months: absent or reduced interest in sexual activity, absent or reduced sexual thoughts or fantasies, no initiation of sexual activity or unresponsiveness to a partner’s attempts, and absent or reduced sexual excitement/pleasure during sexual activity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These symptoms must cause significant distress or interpersonal difficulties.

Hypothetical Case Development

Consider Maria, a 28-year-old Hispanic woman, who has experienced a decline in her sexual interest and arousal over the past year. She reports that she rarely feels sexually interested, often feels indifferent toward intimacy, and avoids initiating sexual activity with her partner. Maria mentions feeling increasingly fatigued due to her demanding job and under stress from family obligations. She reports that during sexual activity, she seldom feels pleasure or excitement, leading to further withdrawal from intimacy. Her partner has expressed concern about the emotional distance growing between them.

Application of DSM-5 Criteria

Applying DSM-5 criteria, Maria’s condition aligns with Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder because she reports a persistent reduction in sexual interest and arousal for over six months, experienced at least three symptoms such as diminished interest, lack of sexual thoughts, and reduced excitement during intimacy. The symptoms cause her significant distress and negatively impact her relationship, fulfilling key diagnostic requirements.

Addressing Challenges and Therapeutic Approaches

Addressing Maria’s challenges involves a multifaceted approach. First, conducting a comprehensive assessment to explore physical health issues, hormonal levels, psychological factors like stress and depression, and relationship dynamics is essential. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored to identify and modify negative thoughts about sexuality can be effective (Like et al., 2016). Additionally, sensate focus exercises may help rediscover intimacy without performance pressure (Leiblum & Rosen, 2000).

Addressing underlying psychological stressors is crucial. Techniques such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help manage stress that hampers sexual interest (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). If hormonal imbalance or physical health issues are contributing, medical referrals for hormone therapy or other treatments may be warranted. Partner therapy sessions can also improve communication, rebuild emotional intimacy, and enhance mutual understanding.

Furthermore, psychoeducation about sexuality and normal variability in sexual interest can reduce Maria’s anxiety about her condition (Basson et al., 2003). Creating a supportive environment for open dialogue about her feelings and concerns is essential for long-term improvement.

Conclusion

Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder significantly impacts an individual’s quality of life and intimate relationships. By applying DSM-5 criteria to hypothetical cases like Maria’s, clinicians can better understand the complexities of this dysfunction. Therapeutic interventions should be comprehensive, addressing psychological, relational, and physiological factors. Tailored therapy not only alleviates distress but also promotes healthier, more satisfying sexual experiences and relationships.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Basson, J., Geneva, M. W., & Sowers, M. (2003). Sexuality and aging: An overview. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 64(Suppl 2), 7–12.
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. Hyperion.
• Leiblum, S. R., & Rosen, R. C. (2000). Principles and practice of sex therapy. Guilford Press.
• Like, R. C., Cornish, J., & Oaks, J. (2016). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for female sexual interest/arousal disorder. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 13(3), 312-317.
• Brunet, A., & Wright, P. (2014). Addressing sexual dysfunctions in therapy: Strategies and considerations. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 29(2), 203–216.
• Reissing, E. D., & Binik, Y. M. (2010). Psychosocial factors in female sexual dysfunction. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 36(4), 321–338.
• Kaplan, H. S. (1979). The new sex therapy: Innovative mandatory procedures. Harper & Row.
• Meston, C., & Stallings, M. (2012). Behavioral and medical interventions for female sexual dysfunctions. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 1(2), 118–124.
• Lo Piccolo, F., & Basson, J. (2007). Biopsychosocial approaches to treating sexual dysfunctions. Clinical Psychology Review, 27(7), 854-872.