VER467399_sm_Eversion.pdf (165.03 kB)
Translated article: Sexual Dysfunctions in Women with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – a Review Article
journal contribution
posted on 2017-05-30, 12:15 authored by Pia Bornefeld-Ettmann, Regina SteilSexual dysfunctions, clinical as well as subclinical, and
other sexual complaints that accompany aversive emotions,
cognitions, and sexual risk behavior are very common
among women after experiences of sexual violence
and are underestimated as a problem. Anyway, among
victims of other kinds of traumatic experiences, a high
prevalence of sexual distress is found as well. Explanatory
approaches concentrate on learning theory as well
as the phenomenology of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) itself. Sexuality is an important source of vitality,
and the maintenance of sexual dysfunctions can be accompanied
by a risk of impairments in quality of life and
self-esteem as well as relationship problems. Aside clinical
practice, there is also a lack of knowledge in clinical
science regarding the association between sexual dysfunctions
and traumatic experiences, especially sexual
ones. In this article, the phenomenology and diagnostic
instruments of female sexual dysfunctions are presented,
and consequences of sexual violence on sexuality,
also in the context of PTSD, are further explained. Suggestions
are being made on how to include suitable interventions
into therapy.
