TREATMENT OF SEXUAL DISORDERS IN THE 1990S - AN INTEGRATED APPROACH

Marked changes have occurred in the formulation and treatment of sexua l disorders in the past 2 decades. Emphasis has shifted to the role of biomedical and organic factors in the etiology of sexual dysfunction, along with the growing use of medical and surgical treatment interven tions. Multidimensional assessment models are widely used, particularl y in the evaluation of male erectile dysfunction and sexual pain disor ders. Integrated treatment approaches have also been developed, as cog nitive-behavioral and couples' therapy procedures are increasingly com bined with traditional sex therapy techniques. This article reviews ex isting data regarding the etiology and treatment of male and female se xual dysfunctions. Despite the conceptual and technological sophistica tion of current approaches, treatment outcome is less than satisfactor y in several areas. Further research is needed on the etiology and tre atment of sexual disorders.