SLBMI General Psychological Services>> Conditions That We Treat>> Sexual Concerns

Sexual Concerns

Definition
Human sexuality is a complex process involving all aspects of the person; physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual.  As such, there are also multiple categories of sexual concerns, difficulties and disorders as defined by the American Psychiatric Association including; Sexual Dysfunctions, Paraphillias, Gender Identity Disorder, and Sexual Addiction (not currently listed in APA’s diagnostic system but recognized by many professionals as a disorder).

Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction disorders are defined as disturbances in the sexual response cycle that cause distress in the individual and that can lead to or intensify relationship difficulties.  Female Sexual Arousal Disorder and Male Erectile Dysfunction are examples of a Sexual Dysfunctions.

To learn more about Sexual Dysfunction Disorders visit these sites:
The National Institutes of Health
Athealth.com

Paraphillias
Paraphillias are recurrent sexual urges, fantasies or behaviors that involve unusual objects, activities or situations that cause distress in the individual and may result in impairments in social or occupational functioning.  Exhibitionism and Voyeurism are examples of Paraphillias.

To learn more about Paraphillias visit these sites:
Medicine.net
WebMD

Gender Identity Disorder
Gender Identity Disorder is characterized by a strong and persistent cross-gender identification that creates discomfort and distress in the individual.

To learn more about Gender Identity Disorder visit these sites:
Psychology Today
WebMD

Sexual Addiction
Sexual Addiction is characterized by the subjective experience of a loss of control over sexual behavior(s) and a pattern of engaging in sexual behavior(s) that is inconsistent with individual values, beliefs, and/or stated commitments to resist and avoid the sexual behavior(s).  Often individuals struggling with sexual addiction experience a cycle of overwhelming urges to use, compulsive using, shame and remorse after ending the use, attempts to resist or control the use, followed by overwhelming urges, and the cycle then repeats.  Many individuals with sexual addictions experience negative consequences such as interpersonal conflicts, loss of marriage or partner, loss of employment or increased debt, high risk of contracting physical illnesses and psychological pain in the form of anxiety and depression.

To Learn More About Sexual Addiction visit these sites:
Sexhelp.com
Medicine.net

Click here to learn more about how we treat sexual addiction at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute’s Psychology and Religion Program