Psychogenic erectile dysfunction - Classification and management

Psychogenic factors are involved either alone, or in combination with, orga nic causes in a substantial number of cases of erectile dysfunction. Epidem iologic studies have implicated the role of depressed mood, loss of self-es teem, and other psychosocial stresses in the etiology of erectile dysfuncti on. A new definition and classification of psychogenic erectile dysfunction have been proposed, based upon recent clinical and research findings. Trad itional treatment approaches for psychogenic erectile dysfunction have incl uded anxiety reduction and desensitization procedures, cognitive-behavioral interventions, guided sexual stimulation techniques, and couples or relati onship counseling. Recently, these approaches have been combined with pharm acologic therapy, such as sildenafil.