Desire Disorders

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Desire Disorders: Intro - Low Libido Lowdown

  • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD): Defined as persistently or recurrently deficient (or absent) sexual/erotic thoughts or fantasies and desire for sexual activity.
  • Must cause clinically significant personal distress.
  • Diagnostic duration: Symptoms typically present for ≥6 months.
  • Not better accounted for by:
    • A nonsexual mental disorder.
    • Severe relationship distress or other significant stressors.
    • Effects of a substance/medication or another medical condition.
  • Key DSM-5 Specifiers: Lifelong vs. Acquired; Generalized vs. Situational.
  • Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD): In DSM-5, this diagnosis is used for women, often encompassing low desire and/or arousal difficulties.

⭐ The presence of personal distress is crucial for differentiating HSDD from naturally low, but non-distressing, levels of sexual desire.

Desire Disorders: Etiology - Desire Dampeners

  • Multifactorial Origin: Biological, psychological, interpersonal, sociocultural.
  • Medical Conditions:
    • Chronic illness: Diabetes, CVD, CKD, chronic pain.
    • Endocrine: Hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, hypogonadism (↓Testosterone/Estrogen).
    • Pelvic issues: Endometriosis, PID, severe dyspareunia.
  • Psychological Factors:
    • Mood disorders: Depression, anxiety.
    • Stress (chronic).
    • Past trauma (e.g., sexual abuse).
    • Negative body image.
  • Medications (Iatrogenic): 📌 S.H.A.P.O.
    • SSRIs (e.g., paroxetine), SNRIs.
    • Hormonal agents (some OCPs, GnRH analogs, anti-androgens).
    • Antihypertensives (β-blockers, spironolactone).
    • Psychotropics (some antipsychotics like risperidone).
    • Opioids. Medications and Libido Side Effects
  • Relationship & Lifestyle:
    • Interpersonal conflict, lack of intimacy.
    • Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs), fatigue.

⭐ Among medications, SSRIs are frequently implicated in reducing libido; consider bupropion as an alternative if depression coexists.

Desire Disorders: Diagnosis - Interest Investigation

Core Evaluation:

  • Detailed history: Key to diagnosis. Sexual (onset, duration, context), medical (comorbidities, medications like SSRIs), psychosocial (mood, relationship quality).
  • Focused physical exam: Rule out organic causes. Signs of systemic illness, endocrine dysfunction (e.g., hypogonadism).

Screening Tools:

  • Validated Questionnaires: e.g., FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index - desire domain), DSDS (Decreased Sexual Desire Screener).

Investigations (clinically guided):

  • Hormonal assays: Testosterone (total/free), prolactin, TSH.
  • Metabolic screen: Consider HbA1c, lipid profile.

Psychological Assessment:

  • Evaluate for depression, anxiety, significant stressors, relationship distress.

⭐ Crucial: Always assess for underlying depression or medication side effects (e.g., SSRIs, anti-hypertensives) as common reversible causes of low desire.

Desire Disorders: Management - Libido Lifelines

  • Core Strategy: Biopsychosocial approach; address contributing factors.
  • Non-Pharmacological (Often First-Line):
    • Psychosexual education & counseling: Correct misconceptions, improve communication.
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Target negative thoughts/beliefs about sex.
    • Sensate focus exercises: Reduce performance anxiety, enhance intimacy. (📌 Masters & Johnson)
    • Mindfulness-based interventions: Improve body awareness & acceptance.
  • Pharmacological (Specific Indications):
    • Female (Generalized Acquired HSDD, Premenopausal):
      • Flibanserin (Addyi®): Daily oral; 5-HT1A agonist/5-HT2A antagonist.
      • Bremelanotide (Vyleesi®): Subcutaneous, as-needed; melanocortin receptor agonist.
    • Male (HSDD with Hypogonadism):
      • Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): After confirming low testosterone.
    • Bupropion: May help if SSRI-induced.
  • Crucial: Manage comorbidities (depression, anxiety) & relationship issues.

Testosterone Enanthate Injection

⭐ Flibanserin requires 4 weeks of daily use to assess efficacy and carries a boxed warning for hypotension and syncope, especially with alcohol.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is the most common female sexual dysfunction.
  • Characterized by persistent lack of sexual thoughts, fantasies, or desire, causing marked personal distress.
  • Exclude desire issues from relationship conflicts, medical illness, or substance/medication effects.
  • A biopsychosocial approach is essential for comprehensive assessment and management.
  • Management includes sex therapy/psychotherapy (CBT) and FDA-approved medications (e.g., Flibanserin).
  • Always evaluate for underlying mood disorders (depression, anxiety) or endocrine dysfunction.

Practice Questions: Desire Disorders

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Flashcards: Desire Disorders

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Bartholin glands are stimulated by _____

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Bartholin glands are stimulated by _____

sexual arousal

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