Showing papers on "Female Sexual Arousal Disorder published in 2008"

A Psychoeducational Intervention for Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Gynecologic Cancer

Abstract: Treatment of early-stage cervical and endometrial cancer has been associated with significant sexual difficulties in at least half of women following hysterectomy. Despite the fact that women report such sexual side effects to be the most distressing aspect of their cancer treatment, evidence-based treatments for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD), the most common sexual symptom in this group, do not exist. We developed and pilot tested a brief, three session psychoeducational intervention (PED) targeting FSAD in 22 women with early-stage gynecologic cancer. The PED consisted of three, 1-h sessions that combined elements of cognitive and behavioral therapy with education and mindfulness training. Women completed questionnaires and had a physiological measurement of genital arousal at pre- and post-PED (sessions 1 and 4) and participated in a semi-structured interview (session 4) during which their feedback on the PED was elicited. There was a significant positive effect of the PED on sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, sexual distress, depression, and overall well-being, and a trend towards significantly improved physiological genital arousal and perceived genital arousal. Qualitative feedback indicated that the PED materials were very user-friendly, clear, and helpful. In particular, women reported the mindfulness component to be most helpful. These findings suggest that a brief 3-session PED can significantly improve aspects of sexual response, mood, and quality of life in gynecologic cancer patients, and has implications for establishing the components of a psychological treatment program for FSAD.

Effects of experimentally adopted sexual schemas on vaginal response and subjective sexual arousal: a comparison between women with sexual arousal disorder and sexually healthy women.

Abstract: The present study evaluated and compared the effects of experimentally adopted sexual schemas on vaginal response, subjective sexual arousal, and affect in 17 women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) and 17 sexually healthy women. Positive and negative cognitive schemas were presented to participants before viewing sexually explicit video segments. They were asked to temporarily adopt both schemas, and vaginal response, subjective sexual arousal, and affect were measured in each schema condition. Participants in both groups had significantly greater vaginal response and reported more subjective sexual arousal in the positive schema condition than in the negative schema condition. Sexually healthy women demonstrated significantly higher subjective sexual arousal than women with FSAD, but there were no significant group differences in vaginal response. Moreover, participants in both groups reported higher levels of Positive Affect and Vigor in the positive schema condition than in the negative schema condition but higher levels of Negative Affect, Tension-Anxiety, and Anger-Hostility in the negative schema condition than in the positive schema condition. These findings demonstrate the impact of cognitions on sexual arousal, which has important implications for addressing cognitions in the treatment of FSAD. Moreover, these findings have implications for the conceptualization of FSAD, which may be best characterized as a complex, heterogeneous cluster of symptoms.

Why do women with panic disorders not panic during sex (or do they)? Results of an empirical study on the relationship of sexual arousal and panic attacks

Abstract: Reported sensations during sexual arousal and panic attacks were compared in women with panic disorder and in controls. Hypotheses: patients with panic disorders report: (1) similar sensations during sexual arousal and panic attacks, but (2) these sensations do not trigger panic during sexual activity, because (3) there is no sense of loss of control in sexual arousal. Thirty women with panic syndrome and 27 age-matched controls were included in this study. The two groups were compared using a self-developed questionnaire. The results do show a significant overlap of reported sensations (80% of sexual sensations identical with panic sensations), but with a different subjective perception for many women. Unexpectedly, most reported sensations during sex (masturbation and partner activity) were experienced as unpleasant. Contrary to our hypothesis, 30% of our sample did panic during sexual activity, 50% experienced a loss of control and 70% of the sample did not panic during sex, in spite of overlapping sen...

Sexual dysfunction in patients with painful bladder syndrome.

Abstract: Purpose The degree of sexual dysfunction in patients with Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) has not been documented previously. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to measure the degree of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in these patients. Materials and methods The FSFI was administered on-line to female patients with self-reported PBS. This 19-item questionnaire evaluated FSD in six domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Results The data was analyzed on an item-for-item basis and by the six domains of sexual dysfunction for 100 patients and compared to a control group of 131 healthy volunteers and a second group consisting of 128 patients with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD). When compared with the controls, PBS patients self-report sexual dysfunction in all domains evaluated by the FSFI. Conclusions The degree of FSD in PBS patients is significantly higher in all domains when compared to the control group.

New Amino Derivatives and Their Use as Pharmaceuticals

Abstract: The present invention provides for compounds of formula (I): which are a class of dopamine agonists, more particularly a class of agonists that are selective for D3 over D2. These compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of sexual dysfunction, for example female sexual dysfunction (FSD), in particular female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD; lack of interest in sex), female orgasmic disorder (FOD; inability to achieve orgasm); and male sexual dysfunction, in particular male erectile dysfunction (MED). Male sexual dysfunction as referred to herein is meant to include ejaculatory disorders such as premature ejaculation, anorgasmia (inability to achieve orgasm) or desire disorders such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD; lack of interest in sex). These compounds are also useful in treating neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative disorders.

Fast Facts: Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract: This book provides an overview of sexual dysfunction and is directed at health care professionals in a primary care setting. Part of the Fast Facts medical handbook series, this book is intended to offer concise, practical, and evidence-based information regarding sexual difficulties. This volume targets the health care provider who may be uncomfortable and/ or unfamiliar with sexuality-related issues; it acknowledges that physicians, for example, often do not receive sufficient training in these issues. As such, this book aims to ‘‘make much of the missing information available in a clear and straightforward form’’ (p. 8). Before outlining female and male sexual dysfunctions, Plaut et al. discuss ways to broach the topic of sexual problems with patients. The authors are sensitive in their discussion, emphasizing the importance of utilizing neutral, nonemotionally charged language with patients and of remaining aware of patients’ specific individual needs and backgrounds. While this focus may seem obvious to those experienced in dealing with sexual problems, it is an important section and, in keeping with the aim of the book, recognizes that some clinicians may be unsure how to address sexual issues. The remaining portion of the book focuses on specific sexual dysfunctions and intervention; in general, the authors review the DSM-IV-TR classification of sexual dysfunctions and describe the prevalence, pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment of these conditions. Thus, information on male and female sexual desire, arousal, and orgasmic disorders, and information on female sexual pain disorders is provided, with the largest portion of this book dedicated to female sexual dysfunction. A major premise of this book is that sexual problems are multifactorial in nature and impact an individual on multiple levels. Written by a psychologist and two physicians with respective expertise in obstetrics/gynecology and urology, this book reflects a strong collaborative and multidisciplinary effort. It elegantly combines the authors’ expertise to highlight the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to sexual dysfunction. The authors clearly outline that both biomedical and psychosocial factors contribute to sexual problems and encourage health care professionals to investigate such factors. For example, when reviewing female sexual arousal disorder, they note that clinicians should consider both biological (e.g., hormone levels, hypertension) and psychological (e.g., relationship issues, sexual inhibition) factors. What emerges in this book is a balanced perspective of sexual disorders and, for this, the authors should be commended. In a handbook that is directed at primary care clinicians, this book integrates psychosocial knowledge with medical information to provide a well-rounded perspective on sexual dysfunctions. In keeping with a multidisciplinary approach to sexual dysfunction, an additional strength of this book is the recognition that primary care professionals may need to refer patients with sexual problems for treatment with other health providers. As such, Plaut et al. outline various referral sources (e.g., sex therapist) and the types of sexual problems in which they specialize. They also provide a checklist to help primary care providers decide when to refer and another checklist outlining the required information for referral sources. Indeed, the authors provide a variety of lists and helpful guidelines throughout the book. A major strength of this book is the inclusion of various questions to ask when assessing certain sexual disorders. In particular, when reviewing female sexual dysfunction, the authors include specific questions and areas of inquiry for K. B. Smith (&) C. F. Pukall Department of Psychology, Queens University, Humphrey Hall, 62 Arch St., Kingston, ON, Canada K7L 3N6 e-mail: 2kbs@queensu.ca