Sexual disorder

  

How should clinicians distinguish a sexual disorder from normal variation in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, or sexual interests?

Consider the role of distress, functional impairment, cultural beliefs, personal values, consent, and the potential for clinicians to impose their own moral judgments.

Points for analysis:

· Is personal distress sufficient for a diagnosis in every case?

· How might shame arise from religious or cultural condemnation complicate assessment?

· Why is it important to distinguish distress caused by a symptom from distress caused by social stigma?

· How can clinicians avoid pathologizing consensual sexual diversity?