Shari has come to see you at the Sexual Dysfunctions Clinic, because she is feeling very distressed over the fact that she never feels like engaging in sexual activity with her partner. Shari and her partner have had many arguments over this lack of interest, and she decided to see a therapist. In consulting the DSM-IV-TR, you would likely diagnose her with

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shari's lack of interest in sexual activity with her partner suggests hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which is characterized by a persistent or recurrent deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies, thoughts, or desires, leading to significant distress or interpersonal difficulties. This diagnosis is more appropriate than sexual aversion disorder, as the latter involves extreme fear, disgust, or avoidance of sexual activity, and dyspareunia, which involves significant pain during sexual activity. Female sexual arousal disorder and female orgasm problems do not fit Shari's description of her issue.

Shari Has Come to See You at the Sexual Dysfunctions