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. 1983 Jan;93(1):105-36.

Primary orgasmic dysfunction: diagnostic considerations and review of treatment

B L Andersen

Primary orgasmic dysfunction: diagnostic considerations and review of treatment

B L Andersen. Psychol Bull. 1983 Jan.

Abstract

As a diagnostic category, primary orgasmic dysfunction includes all women who have never experienced orgasm under any circumstances except sleep or fantasy. However, the research samples of nonorgasmic women in clinical reports and empirical investigations are heterogeneous with regard to disruption of earlier phases of the sexual response cycle and emotional concomitants of the dysfunction. The major treatment models—systematic desensitization, sensate focus, directed masturbation, and hypnosis—are presented, and empirical support is reviewed. Separate discussion is included for investigations comparing treatment modalities. Finally, a strategy for future programmatic sex therapy research is suggested within the broader context of psychotherapy outcome research.

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References

Reference Notes

    1. Kilmann PR, Mills KH, Caid C, Bella BS, Wanlass RL. The sexual functioning of women with secondary orgasmic dysfunction and their partners; Paper presented at the Meeting of the American Psychological Association; Los Angeles. 1981. Aug,
    1. Heiman JR, LoPiccolo J. Clinical outcome of sex therapy: Effects of daily vs. weekly treatment; Paper presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association; Los Angeles. 1981. Aug,
    1. Rotter GS. Sex attitude scale. 1973 Unpublished manuscript.

References

    1. Alexander L. Treatment of impotency and anorgasmia by psychotherapy aided by hypnosis. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis. 1974;17:33–43.
    1. American Psychiatric Association. DSM-III: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 3rd ed. Washington, D.C: Author; 1980.
    1. Andersen BL. A comparison of systematic desensitization and directed masturbation in the treatment of primary orgasmic dysfunction in females. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 1981;49:568–570. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Andersen BL, Hacker NF. Treatment for gynecologic cancer: A review of the effects on female sexuality. Health Psychology. in press. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Annon JS. The therapeutic use of masturbation in the treatment of sexual disorders. In: Rubin RD, Brady JP, Henderson JD, editors. Advances in behavior therapy. Vol. 4. New York: Academic Press; 1973.

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