A psychobiosocial model for assessment, treatment, and relapse prevention for female sexual interest/arousal disorder

ABSTRACT

With the DSM-5 now recognizing Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD), it is imperative that researchers and clinicians have a comprehensive understanding of FSIAD and how to effectively treat it. As the topic of female sexual desire grows in popularity, researchers and clinicians have deemed it more variable, flexible, complex and individualistic than male desire. Most significantly, many have recognized that female desire is just as important as male desire. FSIAD is the most common female sexual complaint, and has the most negative impact on the couple relationship. This conceptual paper utilizes a case study to explore an integrative, couple psychobiosocial model for assessment, treatment (including therapeutic and medication interventions), and relapse prevention of FSIAD.

KEYWORDS:

• Couples therapy
• female
• female sexual arousal disorder
• sexual psychology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Barry McCarthy

Barry McCarthy, PhD. is a professor of psychology at American University, a diplomate in clinical psychology, a certified sex therapist, and a certified couple therapist. He has published more than 110 professional articles, 29 book chapters, and 14 books. Barry has presented more than 450 workshops, nationally and internationally. In 2016, he received the Masters and Johnson award for lifetime contributions to the sexuality field.

Candace A. Koman

Candace A. Koman is a doctoral student int he Clinical Psychology program at American University, where she also received her master's degree. As a member of the Anxiety Disorders Research Lab, Candace studies race-based mental health disparities and the psychological impact of colorism.

Danielle Cohn

Danielle Cohn M.A. is a Ph.D. candidate in the Clinical Psychology program at American University.