ABSTRACT
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th Ed. (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) describes sexual dysfunctions as being characterized by disturbance in sexual desire and the psychophysiological changes that characterize the sexual response cycle, causing marked distress and interpersonal difficulty. It presents criteria for seven categories. Sexual Desire Disorders include Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, which is defined as deficient (or absent) sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity; and Sexual Aversion Disorder, which is defined as extreme aversion to and avoidance of all (or almost all) genital sexual contact with a partner. Interpreted literally, this DSM-IV diagnosis could not be used for the condition of women who accept genital contact but have an aversion to their breasts being fondled or touching their partner’s genitals. Sexual Arousal Disorders include Female Sexual Arousal Disorder, which is defined as the inability to attain or maintain an adequate genital lubrication-swelling response of sexual excitement until completion of the sexual activity; and Male Erectile Disorder, which is defined as the inability to attain or maintain an adequate erection until completion of the sexual activity.
