Discussion: Analyzing Diagnostic Criteria
Marriage, couple, and family helping professionals work from a systemic
vantage point—they view issues and change as relational. That being said,
they must be familiar with the diagnostic criteria of the *DSM-5* in order
to work within the field of mental health care at large. The *DSM-5,* of
course, is individual rather than systemic in focus, and therefore it is
wise for marriage, couple, and family helping professionals to view
diagnostic criteria through a critical lens. Many of the disorders also are
not based on clear, clinical cut-off criteria, and they require informed
clinical judgment in order to be applied appropriately.
Note also that helping professionals should consider intersections of
physical, mental health, and relationship considerations as they relate to
sexual dysfunctions, compulsions, and addictions. For example, a physical
examination by a qualified healthcare professional is typically warranted
prior to making a diagnosis of a sexual dysfunction in order to rule out
any physical causes for the symptoms.
Analyze the diagnostic criteria of major sexual dysfunctions and disorders
in the *DSM-5*. Review the case study below and reflect on which *DSM-5*
sexual dysfunction/disorder might be the most reflective of the client’s
symptoms. Then consider a counterargument as to why this
dysfunction/disorder might not be appropriate for this client.
Susan, age 34, is a married mother of two preschool-age children (ages 4
and 2). Her husband, Steve, age 35, works full time, and Susan works part
time on the weekends but primarily is a stay-at-home mother to her children.
The couple sought couples counseling, and their primary presenting concern
was that Susan has not had any interest in sex with Steve for the past
year. The couple reports that they have had intercourse about three times
in the past year (“always at Steve’s initiation”); they rarely display
physical affection toward one another; and they fought frequently about
their lack of sex for about the first 6 months of the past year, but lately
they have not fought often about the issue.
The partners indicate that, up until a year ago, Susan was very interested
in sex, and they had sex approximately three times per week throughout
their marriage (aside from immediately following the birth of their
children). Susan states that she can’t pinpoint any particular reason for
her lack of interest in sex and says, “Really, I just don’t want it
anymore. I’m not sure if I ever will again.” Steve says that he is very
frustrated but doesn’t want to fight about it. He says, “I just want my
wife back.”
Post by Day 4 identifying a *DSM-5* sexual dysfunction disorder that might
reflect Susan’s symptoms. Research the literature to further understand
Susan and Steve’s situation. What biopsychosocial factors may be affecting
the sexual aspects of the couple’s relationship?
*Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to
the resources.*
GeneralEssayUndergraduate
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