Beyond Viagra. Psychological issues in the assessment and treatment of erectile dysfunction.
BACKGROUND
The availability of sildenafil nitrate (Viagra) has led to a significant increase in the number of men seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). However, when Viagra is focused on exclusively, the psychogenic factors that may be implicated in the aetiology and/or maintenance of erectile dysfunction may be neglected.


OBJECTIVE
To highlight the psychosocial context in which this distressing problem may manifest itself and to illustrate the potential value of psychological methods in both its assessment and treatment. Cognitive and behavioural strategies that have proven effective adjuncts to the medical management of ED are described.


CONCLUSIONS
It is proposed that the appropriate evaluation and treatment of many cases of this problem needs to incorporate both medical and psychological management techniques.
McDowell
A J
AJ
Department of Psychiatry, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia.
Snellgrove
C A
CA
Bond
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001524:Behavioral Medicine / Q000379:methods; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones
D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate