Female sexual disorders: psychiatric aspects.

OBJECTIVE This manuscript reviews the current information concerning female sexual dysfunction that is relevant to general psychiatric practice. METHOD Research identified by the key words sexual dysfunction and prevalence, comorbidity, psychiatric drugs, or pharmacotherapy is reviewed. RESULTS Epidemiologic studies indicate that approximately 30% of female subjects between ages 18 and 59 years have sexual complaints of at least 3 months' duration in the past year. A high comorbidity with other psychiatric syndromes exists. Many psychiatric drugs are associated with sexual dysfunction. Drug treatments for female sexual dysfunction are being investigated. CONCLUSION Knowledge concerning the treatment of female sexual dysfunction is important to the general psychiatric clinician.