Sexual Disorders & Gender Dysphoria — Dysfunctions, Paraphilias, and Affirming Treatments Explained | Chapter 9 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology

Chapter 9 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology explores the complexities of human sexuality—covering sexual dysfunctions, paraphilic disorders, and gender dysphoria—with an emphasis on psychological, biological, and social influences. In this guide, you’ll discover key definitions, underlying causes, and evidence-based treatments to bolster your understanding and exam readiness.

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Sexual Dysfunctions

Sexual dysfunctions involve disturbances in sexual desire, arousal, or response. Major disorders include:

• Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder & Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder: Low or absent desire/arousal. Treatment: CBT, sensate focus therapy, and hormone assessment.
• Erectile Disorder (ED): Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Treatment: PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra), CBT for performance anxiety, and medical evaluation.
• Female Orgasmic Disorder & Delayed Ejaculation: Difficulty reaching orgasm despite adequate stimulation. Treatment: Psychosexual education and CBT.
• Premature Ejaculation: Ejaculation within one minute of penetration. Treatment: Behavioral exercises, topical anesthetics, and CBT.
• Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Vaginismus or dyspareunia causing pain during intercourse. Treatment: Pelvic floor therapy, exposure exercises, and trauma-informed CBT.

Paraphilic Disorders

Paraphilias involve atypical sexual interests that cause distress or harm:

• Voyeuristic & Exhibitionistic Disorders: Arousal from watching or exposing oneself to nonconsenting individuals. Treatment: Covert sensitization and cognitive restructuring.
• Fetishistic & Transvestic Disorders: Fixation on objects or cross-dressing for arousal. Treatment: Orgasmic reconditioning and CBT.
• Sexual Sadism & Masochism: Arousal from inflicting or receiving pain. Treatment: Behavioral therapy and safety planning.
• Pedophilic Disorder: Attraction to prepubescent children. Treatment: Antiandrogens, cognitive restructuring, and intensive therapy.

Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria involves marked distress from incongruence between one’s experienced gender and assigned sex at birth. Treatment is individualized and may include:

• Psychotherapy for identity exploration and support.
• Hormone therapy to align physical traits with gender identity.
• Gender-affirming surgery based on clinical guidelines and patient readiness.

Contributing Factors & Integrated Care

Sexual and gender disorders arise from a mix of biological, psychological, and cultural influences. Hormonal imbalances, past trauma, relationship dynamics, and societal norms all play roles. Integrated care models combine psychotherapy, medical interventions, and sex-positive approaches to address each individual’s unique profile.

Conclusion: Toward Affirming Sexual Health

Chapter 9 equips you with a comprehensive framework for understanding and treating sexual disorders and gender dysphoria. Mastering these concepts will enhance your clinical competence and exam performance.

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