New Developments in Classification of Sexual Dysfunctions

Abstract

The diagnostic system for the sexual dysfunctions in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual was originally developed by expert opinion, literature review and from feedback from experts in the field of human sexuality. In spite of considerable research in the area of human sexuality over the intervening years, there have been minimal changes to the diagnostic criteira for the sexual dysfunctions since their description in DSM III. These critieria sets lack precison. Progress within the field requires precise defintions to select homogenous groups for clinical research,. Current data suggests that many of the sexual dysfunction diagnoses can be updated with severity and duration criteria. This presentation will suggest revision to the diagnositc criteria based on recent clinical research.