Fast Five Quiz: Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder/Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Christine Isaacs, MD

Disclosures

April 03, 2019

Female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD), also referred to as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), is one of the most common sexual disturbances. The origin of FSIAD/HSDD is often multifactorial and includes hormonal, neurologic, or psychosocial etiology. Normal female sexual arousal and desire requires alignment of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine and restrained serotonin levels, as unrestrained serotonin inhibits female sexual arousal. Chronic illness, hormone changes related to menopause, side effects from certain medications, and psychosocial factors can disrupt this balance and contribute to FSIAD/HSDD.

The terms female sexual interest and arousal disorder (FSIAD) and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) are often used interchangeably today, reflecting the evolution in terminology. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), redefined FSIAD as a single disorder including prior diagnoses of both HSDD and female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD).

Despite the prevalence of FSIAD/HSDD, there are limited effective treatments, while there are currently over 20 medications available to treat male sexual dysfunction.

Unfortunately, the majority of patients with FSIAD/HSDD do not communicate associated symptoms and concerns with their healthcare provider, most often because of embarrassment and the belief that, unlike their male counterparts, there are no treatment options for them.

Are you familiar with the pathophysiology, effective communication, and assessment tools, workup, and treatment options for FSIAD/HSDD? Test your knowledge with this short quiz.

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