title: Sexual dysfunction in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience high rates of sexual dysfunction. However, the topic of sexual dysfunction is often overlooked clinically and underexamined in the PTSD research literature. Clinician assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction are particularly important for Veterans, who are at increased risk of exposure to trauma.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Review the literature regarding sexual dysfunction among Veterans with PTSD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sexual dysfunction, including erectile difficulties in males and vaginal pain in females, is common among Veterans with PTSD. Several underlying mechanisms may account for the overlap between PTSD and sexual dysfunction. Certain barriers may contribute to the reluctance of providers in addressing problems of sexual dysfunction in Veterans with PTSD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With the high likelihood of sexual dysfunction among Veterans with PTSD, it is important to consider the integration of treatment strategies. Efforts to further the research on this important topic are needed.
authors: Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
authors: Jana K
authors: JK
authors: Tran
authors: Gina
authors: G
authors: Dunckel
authors: Ellen J
authors: EJ
authors: Teng
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D060728:Reproductive Health; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents
keywords: Erectile Dysfunction; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Sexual Dysfunction; Veterans