Psychopathology Chapter 12 - Sexuality

Flashcards based on Chapter 12 lecture

Sexual Dysfunction

Impairment either in the desire for sexual gratification or in the ability to achieve it.

What are the 4 phases of the human sexual response operate as a continuous set?

1. Desire Phase

2. Arousal Phase

3. Orgasm

4. Resolution

Desire Phase

Consists of fantasies about sexual activity or a sense of desire to have sexual activity.

Arousal Phase

Is characterized by both a subjective sense of sexual pleasure and physiological changes that accompany this subjective pleasure.

During Orgasm…

There is a release of sexual tension and a peaking of sexual pleasure.

During Resolution…

The person has a sense of relaxation and well-being.

Male Hypoactive Sexual Disorder Desire

Is diagnosed in men who have for at least 6 months been distressed or

impaired due to low levels of sexual thoughts, desires, or fantasies.

Erectile Disorder

(formerly called impotence) refers to an inability to obtain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

Lifelong Erectile Disorder is characterized by:

adequate desire but the inability to sustain an erection.

Acquired/Situational Erectile Disorder is characterized by…

adequate desire and intermittent ability to maintain or produce penile rigidity.

What are some contributors to ED?

Antidepressants, vascular disease, smoking, obesity, and alcohol abuse are contributors.

Premature (Early) Ejaculation

The persistent and recurrent onset of orgasm and ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation.

Delayed Ejaculation Disorder

Refers to the persistent inability to ejaculate during intercourse.

Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

• DSM-5 combined dysfunctionally low desire with dysfunctionally low sexual arousal in the disorder

• Psychological factors appear more important than biological

• Psychological contributions are relationship problems, daily hassles, history of unwanted sexual experiences, and others

• Biological contributions are mental illness, low testosterone, use of antidepressants

• Birth control may lower sexual desire

Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder

Characterized by the persistent (for at least 6 months) experience of physical pain during sexual intercourse that is associated with significant psychological distress.