Pharmacologic management of sexual dysfunction: benefits and limitations.
What is the current knowledge concerning the pharmacologic treatment of human sexual dysfunction? A number of interventions, including oral phophodiesterase inhibitors and intracorporeal agents with vasodilatory effects, are available to treat male erectile disorder. Serotonergic drugs have been shown to be effective in the treatment of rapid ejaculation. Various lines of research suggest that high dosages of androgenic agents may eventually have a role in the treatment of decreased libido in females. There may be a role for phophodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of a subgroup of women with arousal disorders. Normal sexual function involves successful integration of biological, psychological, and interpersonal influences. Clinical psychiatry with its biopsychosocial model should incorporate the treatment of human sexual dysfunction within its purview.
Segraves
Robert Taylor
RT
Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA. rsegraves@metrohealth.org
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011687:Purines; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate