Female Sexual Disorders: Psychiatric Aspects

Abstract

Objective: This manuscript reviews the current information concerning female sexual dysfunction that is relevant to general psychiatric practice. Method: Research identified by the key words sexual dysfunction and prevalence, comorbidity, psychiatric drugs, or pharmacotherapy is reviewed. Results: Epidemiologic studies indicate that approximately 30% of female subjects between ages 18 and 59 years have sexual complaints of at least 3 months' duration in the past year. A high comorbidity with other psychiatric syndromes exists. Many psychiatric drugs are associated with sexual dysfunction. Drug treatments for female sexual dysfunction are being investigated. Conclusion: Knowledge concerning the treatment of female sexual dysfunction is important to the general psychiatric clinician.