Any topic (writer’s choice)
Respond by Day 6 to at least two of your colleagues postings, offering and support an opinion gained from your reading.
Colleague 1
Analyzing Diagnostic Criteria
In this weeks’ scenario Susan and Steve are having marital concerns with specific regards to their sexual intimacy (or lack thereof). Susan reports she has little interest in having sex, over the past year. Steve is unsure of what’s happening, he’s frustrated and just wants that part of their marriage to go back to “normal”. Based on Susan’s report, using the DSM-5, I would diagnose her with Female Sexual Interest Disorder Acquired Moderate (APA 2013). Susan meets 3 of the 6 criteria, including: absent interest in sexual activity, no initiation of sexual activity and absent sexual excitement/pleasure during sexual activity. Another specification is the acquired, as the couple reports they had an active sexual relationship up until a year ago. I believe the current severity is moderate, because they aren’t currently arguing or interacting, which was causing distress about the symptoms.
Chasin (2017) studies asexuality as it relates to Disorders of Sexual Desire/Interest. Although not considered a sexual orientation, Susan’s lack of interest in sex could lead the therapist to work through asexual-affirming clinical treatment (Chasin 2017). If Susan now identifies as asexual, this should be discussed with the couple in session. The couple can discuss if Susan is willing to continue treatment to “restore” her sexual desire and Steve’s desire to stay in the relationship based on his wife’s choice.
What biopsychosocial factors may be affecting the sexual aspects of the couples relationship? It may be possible that Susan is experiencing these symptoms since having two children (biological). There could be hormonal changes that have affected her desire to have sex. She may also feel uncomfortable as a mother of small children, having sex, knowing the children could need their parents at any moment. Psychologically, the clinician may find that Susan has other symptoms that identify her as depressed or anxious, which can affect sexual desire (Levine 2016).
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Sexual dysfunctions. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Chasin, C. J. D. (2017). Considering Asexuality as a Sexual Orientation and Implications for Acquired Female Sexual Arousal/Interest Disorder. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46(3), 631635.
Levine, S. B., Risen, C. B., & Althof, S. E. (Eds.). (2016). Handbook of clinical sexuality for mental health professionals (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
REPLY QUOTE EMAIL AUTHOR
COLLEAGUE 2
While reviewing the case study on Susan and Steve, it seems that they have been having problems in their marriage regarding their sex life. Susan hasn’t had the desire to have sex with Steve within the last year, which they have only had intercourse three times within the last year. I would diagnosis the couple with sexual interest arousal disorder. The reason for this diagnosis is that Susan has met the following needs 1.Absent/reduced interest in sexual activity 2. Absent/reduced sexual/erotic thoughts or fantasies 3. No/ reduced initiation of sexual activity and typically unreceptive to a partner’s attempts initiate. 4. Absent/ reduced sexual excitement/ pleasure during sexual activity in almost all approximately 75% or 100% of sexual encounters (Levine, Risen, & Althof,2016). Although Susan lacks the desire to have sexual intercourse with Steve, he still loves her and is very supportive of Susan. The situation is very frustrating to Steve, but he doesn’t want to continue to fuss with his wife. This issue can cause a significant strain on their marriage. Susan may be feeling this way due to being a full-time mom and being tired when ts time to engage in intercourse with Steve. Other causes may be from anxiety, depression, and medication ( American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
References
Levine, S. B., Risen, C. B., & Althof, S. E. (Eds.). (2016). Handbook of clinical sexuality for mental health professionals (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Sexual dysfunctions. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
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