TREATMENT OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS - WHAT SOCIAL-WORKERS NEED TO KNOW

This article examines the role of social work professionals in the ass essment, treatment and research of sexual dysfunction, specifically dy sfunctions of desire and arousal. Diagnostic categories of the Diagnos tic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) are reviewed b riefly. Relationship and intimacy issues are described as amenable to psychosocial intervention, and research pertinent to assessment and tr eatment is examined The special topic of sexual dysfunction of gay men is explored. The importance of supporting social workers in their con tinued involvement in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions is highligh ted.