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Abstract
With the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) recently released, there has been important debate as to what constitutes low sexual desire/low sexual interest in women and how best to operationalise this construct. A new set of diagnostic criteria has been included for women who present with concerns relating to their level of desire. However, inherent to the diagnosis of “abnormal” or low level of sexual desire or interest, is the notion that there is a “normal” or average level of desire. Given that low desire is present in as many as 55% of women, it is possible that variations in desire levels may be a normative response to life circumstances. Increasing desire level has traditionally been the focus of therapy when individuals and couples experiencing desire problems present for treatment. However, this goal has proven difficult to achieve. Recent research investigating the distress associated with low desire, rather than low desire itself, may encourage a new line of potential treatment targets to address distress, as well as improve relationship quality. This paper will highlight the gaps in our understanding of this construct, outlining the seminal research conducted within the field, and offering support for new directions of enquiry.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Rebecca N. Frost
Rebecca Frost is a psychologist and PhD student. She works primarily with couples and believes in supporting strong relationships of all types, including parents and their children. Rebecca also has experience providing parenting assistance in families that are experiencing difficulties such as behavioural and attachment problems, and child anxiety. She is currently completing her PhD, researching the distress that can be experienced by couples as a result of sexual desire problems, and this is a strong area of clinical interest for her.
Caroline L. Donovan
Dr Caroline Donovan is a clinical psychologist and has been a lecturer in the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University since 2008. She specializes in child anxiety disorders with additional interests in adolescent depression and eating issues. Caroline has a particular interest in the development, empirical testing, and dissemination of internet-based therapy and in particular, the BRAVE-ONLINE programs for youth anxiety. Behind her interest in the youth area, is a strong belief in the value of prevention and early intervention. Through preventing and treating psychological disorders in youth, problematic trajectories towards adult mental health issues can be averted.