Differential diagnosis and co-existing conditions

When the sexual dysfunction can be better accounted for by another axis 1 disorder, or is due to the direct physiological effects of a substance/medication, or a general medical condition; that is:

• If low or sad mood is prominent, see Depression - F32#.  Depression may cause low desire, or may result from sexual and relationship problems.
• Relationship problems. If persistent discord in the relationship is the primary problem, relationship counselling should precede specific psychosexual treatment of the sexual dysfunction.
• Gynaecological disorders (vulval pain disorders [eg vulval vestibulitis], vaginal infections, pelvic infections [salpingitis] and other pelvic lesions [eg tumours or cysts]), although vaginismus rarely has a physical cause.
• Side-effects of medication, alcohol or drugs (eg SSRI antidepressants, oral contraceptives and beta-blockers). 
• Physical illnesses that affect the sexual physiology - vascular, neurological or endocrine systems - might contribute (eg atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes).
• Note that more than one sexual dysfunction can co-exist.
  

Last edited: 2/2/2004

PREVIOUS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 NEXT
(Page 3 of 10 in this chapter).