Clinical application of CNS-acting agents in FSD.
BACKGROUND
Human sexual response involves a complex sequencing of interrelated mind/body processes. Few treatment options exist that address the complex multilayered etiological determinants of female sexual dysfunction (FSD).


OBJECTIVE
Review and evaluate the clinical application of centrally acting agents for the treatment of FSD, with particular emphasis on recently released data on bremelanotide.


METHODS
Review of literature on the treatment of FSD.


RESULTS
Approaches to FSD treatment have ranged from psychological counseling through a variety of medical interventions along the physiological pathways of sexual function and dysfunction. Despite a great deal of research, especially into hormonal and vasoactive substances, few therapeutics have broad consistent applicability and have withstood scientific scrutiny. Recent clinical trials have investigated the potential role of agents which act on the central nervous system for the treatment of FSD.


CONCLUSIONS
While the recent data supporting the therapeutic use of centrally acting agents as a monotherapy for FSD are cautiously encouraging, there would seem to be tremendous promise for these centrally acting compounds to be integrated with treatment approaches that utilize other pathways in a multilayered, individualized approach to care.
Perelman
Michael A
MA
NY Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA. perelman@earthlink.net
D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016387:Women's Health; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002491:Central Nervous System Agents; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic; D000521:alpha-MSH; C476721:bremelanotide