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302.79
Sexual Aversion Disorder

The work group is recommending that this disorder not be included in DSM-5.9

A possible option is to classify sexual aversion under Specific Phobia.

9 Despite the large number of recent population-based epidemiological studies on sexual symptoms and distress, none have asked about the prevalence and associated features of sexual aversion. Although SAD is listed as one of the two Sexual Desire Disorders, there appear to be few similarities between HSDD and SAD--the former being characterized by the absence of desire and the latter the presence of fear and avoidance (Kaplan, 1987). Instead, Sexual Aversion Disorder seems to bear similarities to Specific Phobias. If one considers the Specific Phobia criteria in the context of the feared sexual stimulus, it is readily apparent that the individual with sexual aversion could meet criteria for a Specific Phobia. Although the text on SAD indicates that “…sexual aversion may technically meet the criteria for Specific Phobia, this additional diagnosis is not given” (American Psychiatric Association, 1994, p. 499), paradoxically the text on Specific Phobia makes no mention of sexual aversion disorder. The limited empirical data available suggest that SAD is similar to Specific Phobias in that (1) it likely follows Mowrer’s (1947) two-factor theory of pathogenesis and (2) it responds optimally to behavior therapy in the form of systematic desensitization. Whether this option is adopted or not will depend on the discussions held by the Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum, Posttraumatic, and Dissociative Disorders Workgroup.

 

References

Kaplan, H. S. (1987). Sexual aversion, sexual phobias, and panic disorder. New York: Brunner-Mazel.

Mowrer, O. H. (1947). On the dual nature of learning: A reinterpretation of "conditioning" and "problem-solving". Harvard Educational Review, 17, 102-148.

 

Recommendations for severity criteria for this disorder are forthcoming.  We encourage you to check our Web site regularly for updates.

Sexual Aversion Disorder

A. Persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to, and avoidance of, all (or almost all) genital sexual contact with a sexual partner.

B. The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.

C. The sexual dysfunction is not better accounted for by another Axis I disorder (except another Sexual Dysfunction).

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