Female Sexual Interest Arousal Disorder

About Female Sexual Interest Arousal Disorder

Female sexual interest arousal disorder is a DSM-5 diagnosis that combined the earlier separate categories of hypoactive sexual desire disorder and female sexual arousal disorder in women. It describes a persistent absence or marked reduction in sexual interest or arousal, which may show up as reduced interest in sexual activity, fewer sexual thoughts or fantasies, reduced initiation or responsiveness, or reduced pleasure or sensations during sexual activity, lasting at least several months and causing significant distress. The diagnosis takes into account that levels of desire vary widely between people and over time, and lower desire on its own is not a disorder, nor is an asexual identity. Contributing factors can include relationship issues, stress, depression or anxiety, past experiences, physical health conditions, hormonal changes and medications. Assessment considers both partners and the wider context. Treatment approaches include sex therapy, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness based therapies, couples work, addressing medical factors, and in some cases medication.