Somatoform and Psychoform Dissociation Among Women with Orgasmic and Sexual Pain Disorders

Abstract

Since the 20th century, psychogenic female sexual dysfunctions (FSD), like some somatoform and conversion disorders, have been considered an expression of somatoform dissociation. Several studies have reported dissociative symptoms in different somatoform and conversion disorders, but limited data are available on dissociation among patients with FSD. The aim of this study was to assess somatoform and psychoform dissociation among patients with women's orgasmic disorder, dyspareunia, and vaginismus. A battery of self-administered questionnaires (Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Event Scale–Revised) was given to 200 gynecological outpatients to assess psychoform and somatoform dissociation and their association with FSD. A strong association between somatoform dissociation and FSD was observed (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 5.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15–25.32), the association between somatoform and psychoform dissociation being estimated by an adjusted OR of 4.83 (95% CI = 1.17–19.91). Our results are compatible with the idea that some forms of FSD could be regarded as somatoform dissociative disorders.

Keywords:

• dissociation
• somatoform dissociation
• sexual dysfunctions

Acknowledgments

Work was performed at the AIED Gynecological Health Care Center (via Toscana 30/1 00187, Rome, Italy) and Centro Clinico De Sanctis (via F. De Sanctis, 8, 00195, Rome, Italy).