SEXUAL

DISORDE
RS

WHAT IS A
SEXUAL
DISORDER
?

The DSM-IV-TR categorizes sexual disorders

according to sexual dysfunctions,
paraphilias and gender identity disorder.
Sexual dysfunctions are characterized by
the inhibition of sexual appetite or
psychophysiologic changes that
compromise the sexual response cycle.

4 phases of sexual response cycle:

Excitement Phase
Plateau Phase
Orgasm Phase
Resolution Phase

EXCITEMENT PHASE

General characteristics of the

excitement phase, which can last from a
few minutes to several hours, include
the following:
Muscle tension increases.
Heart rate quickens and breathing is
accelerated.
Skinmay become flushed (blotches of
redness appear on the chest and back).

 Nipples become hardened or erect.

Bloodflow to the genitals increases,
resulting in swelling of the woman's
clitoris and labia minora (inner lips), and
erection of the man'spenis.
Vaginal lubrication begins.
The woman'sbreastsbecome fuller and
the vaginal walls begin to swell.
The man's testicles swell, his scrotum
tightens, and he begins secreting a
lubricating liquid.

PLATEAU PHASE

The changes begun in phase 1 are

intensified.
Thevaginacontinues to swell from
increasedbloodflow, and the vaginal
walls turn a dark purple.
The woman's clitoris becomes highly
sensitive (may even be painful to touch)
and retracts under the clitoral hood to
avoid direct stimulation from thepenis.

 The man's testicles are withdrawn up

into the scrotum.
Breathing, heart rate, andblood
pressurecontinue to increase.
Muscle spasmsmay begin in the feet,
face, and hands.
Muscle tension increases.

ORGASM PHASE
Involuntary musclecontractions begin.
Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are
at their highest rates, with a rapid intake of
oxygen.
Muscles in the feet spasm.
There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual
tension.

ORGASM PHASE
In women, the muscles of
thevaginacontract. The uterus also
undergoes rhythmiccontractions.
In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles
at the base of the penis result in the
ejaculation of semen.
Arash, or "sex flush" may appear over the
entire body.

RESOLUTION PHASE
During resolution, the body slowly returns to
its normal level of functioning, and swelled and
erect body parts return to their previous size and
color. This phase is marked by a general sense
of well-being, enhancedintimacyand,
often,fatigue.

RESOLUTION PHASE
Some women are capable of a rapid return to
the orgasm phase with further sexual
stimulation and may experience multiple
orgasms. Men need recovery time after orgasm,
called a refractory period, during which they
cannot reach orgasm again. The duration
of the refractory period varies among men and
usually lengthens with advancing age.

Sexual desire disorders effectively stop the

sexual response cycle from beginning.
Sexual arousal disorders sidetrack the
sexual response cycle at the excitement
phase. Orgasm disorders arrest the
progression of cycle in the orgasm phase.
Finally, sexual pain disorders can abort the
sexual response cycle at any phase.

PARAPHI
LIA

Paraphilia is a condition in which

the sexual instinct is expressed in
ways that are socially prohibited or
unacceptable or are biologically
undesirable.

PEDOP
HILIA

It involves recurrent intense sexual

urges and sexually arousing
fantasies involving sexual activity
with children.

The victim of pedophilia must be younger

than 13 years of age and the pedophile 16
years or older and at least 5 years older
than the victim.
Typical pedophilic behaviors are fondling,
inappropriate touching, masturbating in a
childs presence, and penetration of the
mouth, anus, and/or vagina.

INCEST

Incest is pedophilia with child and

adolescent relatives and involves
relationships by blood, marriage (stepparents), or live-in partners.
It is traumatic to children because they are
victimized by someone they depend on and
trust and are unable to escape their
victimization.

EXHIBITI
ONISM

Sexual pleasure derived from exposing

ones genitals to an unsuspecting stranger.
No other sexual acitvity is attempted. The
exhibitionist is stimulated by the effect of
shocking the victim.

fetishis
m

Sexual pleasure derived from inanimate

objects. Coomon fetish objects are bras,
underpants, stockings, and shoes. The
individual with fetishism often masturbates
while holding or rubbing these items.

frotteuris
m

Sexual pleasure derived from touching or

rubbing ones genitals against a
nonconsenting indibiduals thighs or
buttocks. Frotteurism usually occurs in a
crowded place in which escape into the
crowd is possible.

Sexual
masochis
m

Sexual pleasure derived from being

humiliated, beaten, or otherwise made to
suffer. Hypoxyphilia is the act of enhancing
sexual arousal by strangulation or some
other oxygen-depleting activity.

Sexual
sadism

Sexual pleasure derived from inflicting

psychological or physiological suffering on
another. Sadistic behaviors include
spanking, whipping, pinching, beating,
burning and restraining.

voyeuris
m

Sexual pleasure derived from observing

unsuspecting people who are naked or
undressing or who are engaged in sexual
activity. The voyeur is commonly referred
to as peeping Tom.