When the patient’s chief complaint is sexual disinterest1

Abstract

Sexual desire disorders or disinterest have always existed and have surfaced with increasing frequency in the 1990s in psychiatric practice due to 1) classification as a diagnostic criteria in 1987 (302.71) and 2) widespread use of SSRI antidepressants. Possible physical, chemical or endocrine causes must always be considered and treated (1). Then possible intra- or interpersonal factors as cause or effect as outlined can be addressed. Sexual disinterest is a common psychosomatic symptom that is highly treatable with brief supportive intervention.