Classification of sexual dysfunctions: Towards DSM-V and ICD-11

• Published in: Comprehensive psychiatry Vol. 39; no. 6; pp. 333 - 337
• Main Authors: Vroege, Jos A, Gijs, Luk, Hengeveld, Michiel W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.11.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Nosology. Terminology. Diagnostic criteria; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - classification; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - diagnosis; Techniques and methods; Human; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III; Sexual behavior disorder; International Classification of Diseases 10; Evolution; Nosology; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV
• ISSN: 0010-440X; 1532-8384
• DOI: 10.1016/S0010-440X(98)90044-X

This article reports on the changes in the classification of sexual dysfunctions since DSM-III, and on the results of the efforts to make these disorders compatible in DSM-lV and ICD-10. A comparison is made between the ways in which sexual dysfunctions are conceptualized in DSM-III, DSM-III-R, DSM-lV and ICD-10. Special attention is given to the extent to which: (1) in the diagnostic criteria due weight is given to the physiological and psychological aspects, and to the different phases of the sexual response cycle; and (2) these disorders apply to people of different sexes and sexual orientations, and to problems arising while using different sexual techniques. After publication of DSM-III, the classification of sexual dysfunctions has evolved considerably. Moreover, there are still important differences between DSM-IV and ICD-10. Suggestions for DSM-V and ICD-11 are (among others): (1) introduction of excessive (hyperactive) sexual desire in addition to diminished (hypoactive) sexual desire; (2) differentiation between genital arousal disorder and sexual excitement disorder; and (3) differentiation between orgasmic disorder, anhedonic orgasm, ejaculation disorder, and premature orgasm.