Lesson in Abnormal Psychology

1. Prepared by:
Orlando A. Pistan, MAEd
Psychology Instructor

2.  Are disturbances in sexual
function secondary to
emotional and /or mental
causes.
 This category includes
 Sexual dysfunctions,
 Sexual perversions
(paraphilias), and
 Gender Identity
Disorders.

3.  Characterized as a
disturbance of
sexual desire,
arousal and orgasm;
sexual pain; or
difficulties with
sexual performance.

4.  Desire disorders —lack
of sexual desire or
interest in sex
 Arousal disorders —
inability to become
physically aroused or
excited during sexual
activity
 Orgasm disorders —
delay or absence of
orgasm (climax)
 Pain disorders — pain
during intercourse

5. Sexual dysfunction can
affect any age,
although it is more
common in those
over 40 because it is
often related to a
decline in health
associated with
aging.

6.  In men:
 Inability to achieve or
maintain an erection
suitable for intercourse
(erectile dysfunction)
 Absent or delayed
ejaculation despite
adequate sexual
stimulation (retarded
ejaculation)
 Inability to control the
timing of ejaculation (early
or premature ejaculation)

7.  In women:
 Inability to achieve
orgasm
 Inadequate vaginal
lubrication before and
during intercourse
 Inability to relax the
vaginal muscles enough to
allow intercourse

8.  Physical causes — Many
physical and/or medical
conditions can cause
problems with sexual
function. These conditions
include diabetes, heart and
vascular (blood vessel)
disease, neurological
disorders, hormonal
imbalances, chronic diseases
such as kidney or liver
failure, and alcoholism and
drug abuse. In addition, the
side effects of some
medications, including some
antidepressant drugs, can
affect sexual function.

9.  Psychological causes —
These include work-
related stress and
anxiety, concern about
sexual performance,
marital or relationship
problems, depression,
feelings of guilt,
concerns about body
image, and the effects of
a past sexual trauma.

10. Most types of sexual dysfunction can be corrected by
treating the underlying physical or psychological
problems. Other treatment strategies include:
 Medication — When a medication is the cause of
the dysfunction, a change in the medication may
help. Men and women with hormone deficiencies
may benefit from hormone shots, pills, or creams.
For men, drugs, including sildenafil (Viagra®),
tadalafil (Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®),
and avanafil (Stendra®) may help improve sexual
function by increasing blood flow to the penis.

11.  Mechanical aids — Aids such as vacuum
devices and penile implants may help men
with erectile dysfunction (the inability to
achieve or maintain an erection). A vacuum
device (Eros) is also approved for use in
women, but can be costly. Dilators may help
women who experience narrowing of the
vagina.

12.  Sex therapy — Sex therapists can be very helpful to couples
experiencing a sexual problem that cannot be addressed by their
primary clinician. Therapists are often good marital counselors, as
well. For the couple who wants to begin enjoying their sexual
relationship, it is well worth the time and effort to work with a
trained professional.
 Psychotherapy — Therapy with a trained counselor can help a
person address sexual trauma from the past, feelings of anxiety,
fear, or guilt, and poor body image, all of which may have an
impact on current sexual function.
 Education and communication — Education about sex and sexual
behaviors and responses may help an individual overcome his or
her anxieties about sexual function. Open dialogue with your
partner about your needs and concerns also helps to overcome
many barriers to a healthy sex life.

13.  References
 American Academy of Family Physicians/American Family
Physician. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Evaluation and
Treatment Accessed 1/28/2015.
 Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. Size Up Your Sex
Life Accessed 1/28/2015.
 Planned Parenthood. Sex and Sexuality Accessed 1/28/2015.

14. Gender identity disorders
characterize
individuals who desire
to be—or insist that
they are—members of
the other sex.
Gender identity disorder
symptoms can develop
as early as ages 2 to 4.

15.  People with gender
identity disorder act
and present themselves
as members of the
opposite sex. The
disorder may affect
self-concept, choice of
sexual partners and the
display of femininity
or masculinity through
mannerisms, behavior
and dress.

16.  Children:
 Express the desire to be
the opposite sex
 Have disgust with their
own genitals
 Believe that they will
grow up to become the
opposite sex
 Are rejected by their peer
group and feel isolated
 Have depression
 Have anxiety

17.  Adults:
 Desire to live as a
person of the opposite
sex
 Wish to be rid of their
own genitals
 Dress in a way that is
typical of the opposite
sex
 Feel isolated
 Have anxiety

18. Boys:
 Disgust with own
genitals
 Belief that genitals will
disappear or that it
would be preferable
not to have a penis
 Rejection of male
activities such as rough
and tumble play,
games and toys

19. Girls:
 Rejection of urinating
in seated position
 Desire not to develop
breasts or menstruate
 Claims that she will
have a penis
 Strong dislike for
typical female clothing

20. Adolescents and Adults:
The disturbance is manifested
by symptoms such as
preoccupation with
getting rid of primary and
secondary sex
characteristics (such as
request for hormones,
surgery or other
procedures to physically
alter sexual characteristics
to simulate the other sex)
or belief that he or she
was born the wrong sex.

21. The feeling of being in the
body of the "wrong"
gender must persist for
at least two years for
this diagnosis to be
made.
The cause is unknown,
but hormonal
influences and
environmental factors
(such as parenting) are
suspected to be
involved.

22. Individual and family
counseling is recommended
for children, and individual
or couples therapy is
recommended for adults.
Sex reassignment through
surgery and hormonal
therapy is an option, but
severe problems may persist
after this form of treatment.
A better outcome is associated
with the early diagnosis and
treatment of this disorder.

23.  Sources:
 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
 National Institutes of Health - National Library of Medicine

24. Thank you for paying
attention.