Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: a Biopsychosocial Framework
- PDF / 339,623 Bytes
- 9 Pages / 595.276 x 790.866 pts Page_size
- 53 Downloads / 241 Views
FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AND DISORDER (A STANTON, SECTION EDITOR)
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: a Biopsychosocial Framework Robyn A. Jackowich 1 & Caroline F. Pukall 1 Published online: 6 August 2020 # The Author(s) 2020
Abstract Purpose of Review Persistent genital arousal disorder (also referred to as genitopelvic dysesthesia or PGAD/GD) is a distressing and largely underrecognized condition characterized by persistent, unwanted genital arousal (sensations, sensitivity, vasocongestion) in the absence of subjective/cognitive arousal and sexual desire. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings on biological and psychosocial factors in PGAD/GD as they pertain to the assessment and treatment of this condition. These findings will be considered within a biopsychosocial framework, for the purposes of considering next steps for clinical and research efforts. Recent Findings A small number of studies have recently examined potential biological aetiologies for PGAD/GD: pharmacological agents, spinal pathology and peripheral nerve involvement. Recent studies have also found that PGAD/GD is associated with a significant negative impact on psychosocial wellbeing and daily functioning as compared to symptom-free individuals. In addition, these results highlight cognitive/affective responses to symptoms (e.g. catastrophizing of symptoms) that may influence outcomes. However, biological and psychological research are rarely integrated in these studies, despite the interrelationship between these factors. Summary Although PGAD/GD was first described in the scientific literature almost two decades ago, most research on PGAD/GD is presented in the form of case studies. Prospective treatment trials that integrate biopsychosocial factors are needed in order to provide effective and efficient care to this population. This research would be facilitated by the development of a patient-reported outcome measure, as well as greater education/awareness among healthcare providers and the public about this distressing condition. Keywords Persistent genital arousal disorder . Genitopelvic dysesthesia . PGAD/GD . Biopsychosocial . Catastrophizing . Fear avoidance
Introduction First described by Sandra Leiblum and Sharon Nathan in 2001, persistent genital arousal disorder (or PGAD) is a highly distressing condition, characterized by genital arousal (e.g. genital sensations, sensitivity and/or vasocongestion) that occurs in the absence of subjective/cognitive arousal or sexual desire [1]. For some individuals, a ‘flare’ of PGAD symptoms Topical Collection on Female Sexual Dysfunction and Disorder * Robyn A. Jackowich [email protected] Caroline F. Pukall [email protected] 1
Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
may last for hours to days, while for others, these symptoms may be continuously present [2]. Symptoms may be triggered by sexual cues, non-sexual cues or there may be no identifiable trigger [2]. A subset of individuals with PGAD also report
Data Loading...
