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The DSM Diagnostic Criteria for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

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Abstract

This article reviews and critiques the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD). An overview of how the diagnostic criteria for FSAD have evolved over previous editions of the DSM is presented and research on prevalence and etiology of FSAD is briefly reviewed. Problems with the essential feature of the DSM-IV-TR diagnosis—“an inability to attain, or to maintain…an adequate lubrication-swelling response of sexual excitement”—are identified. The significant overlap between “arousal” and “desire” disorders is highlighted. Finally, specific recommendations for revision of the criteria for DSM-V are made, including use of a polythetic approach to the diagnosis and the addition of duration and severity criteria.

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Acknowledgments

The author is a member of the DSM-V Workgroup on Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders. I wish to acknowledge the valuable input I received from members of my Workgroup (Yitzchak Binik, Lori A. Brotto, R. Taylor Segraves) and Kenneth J. Zucker. Feedback from DSM-V Advisors Richard Balon, John Bancroft, Rosemary Basson, Marta Meana, and Leonore Tiefer is greatly appreciated. Reprinted with permission from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V Workgroup Reports (Copyright 2009), American Psychiatric Association.

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  1. Oxford Doctoral Course in Clinical Psychology, Isis Education Centre, Warneford Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK

    Cynthia A. Graham

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Graham, C.A. The DSM Diagnostic Criteria for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder. Arch Sex Behav 39, 240–255 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-009-9535-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-009-9535-1

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