RSS Feeds
Marital Sexual Dysfunction: Erectile Dysfunction
Abstract
All clinicians are occasionally consulted by men complaining of impotence. The history is the most important step in the differential diagnostic process for this symptom. Answers to four basic questions enable the physician to recognize classic psychologic and organic patterns. In addition, these questions provide clues as to the cause of the dysfunction. Physical and laboratory examinations are usually required to identify the specific organic cause. Traditional prevalence figures for impotence may no longer be valid. This topic awaits epidemiologic data that reflect current diagnostic sophistication. Individual treatment approaches to both organic and psychologic impotence must counteract the adverse influence of performance anxiety.
Article and Author Information
-
▸From the Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland, Ohio.
-
Preparation of this paper was assisted by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Princeton, New Jersey. The opinions, conclusions, and proposals in the text are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
-
▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Stephen B. Levine, M.D.; Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, 2040 Abington Road; Cleveland, OH 44106.
-
- Received February 11, 1976.
- Accepted June 1, 1976.
