Sexual Disorders: Introduction (02:23)

FREE PREVIEW

Mel and Jan blamed each other for the lack of sex in their relationship. Dave and Gene have used sex to harm themselves or others. Hear how the brain controls sexual reflexes, attitudes, and experiences.

Sexual Deviations (02:20)

Behaviors falling outside ethical and legal limits are considered deviant. Dr. Robert Carson discusses a case in which a football player exposed himself to repair his ego. Paraphilia refers to sexual urges outside love.

Sexual Deviation Causal Factors (05:35)

Dr. Eli Coleman is a sex therapist and researcher who sees patients with paraphilias like Dave, an exhibitionist. Exposure happens when men lose self-esteem and feel depressed. Exposure temporarily lifts their mood but perpetuates a vicious cycle.

Paraphilia Treatment (02:22)

Group therapy helps individuals overcome isolation, low self-esteem, and denial. Individual therapy also helps address lack of self-worth.

The Lovemap (03:44)

Both biology and social experience influence sexual attitudes from early childhood. Dr. John Money explains a model for understanding human sexual development. Paraphilia represents a "vandalized" love map, affects mostly men, and includes aggressive acts towards others.

The Rapist (02:31)

Up to 25% of American women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Dr. Judith Becker outlines diverse reasons why individuals use force to achieve sexual gratification.

Vermont Treatment Program for Sexual Aggressors (03:09)

Gene, serving a thirty year sentence, describes raping an elderly couple. Some research demonstrates a biological connection between sex drive and aggressive behavior; other suggests psychosocial factors.

Rape Causal Factors (04:07)

Impulse control, aggression models and treatment of women in the family, and violent cultural norms influence rapist development. Gene was sexually abused by his father, but is learning to take responsibility for his behavior. Learn about the rape cycle.

Rape Treatment (04:29)

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps sexual offenders understand their emotional problems; victim empathy training helps them understand the consequences of the act. Gene describes his therapy program. Hear arguments for treating rapists, rather than simply incarcerating them.

Gender Dysphoria (03:40)

Both genetic and social factors influence sexual identity. Brad is a female to male transsexual treated by Coleman. He describes feeling like he was in the wrong body from an early age.

Gender Dysphoria Treatment (03:08)

Brad has had his female reproductive organs removed and takes male hormones. Coleman cautions against individuals using reassignment surgery to address all their life problems without psychotherapy. Brad now feels like a whole person.

Sexual Dysfunction (02:53)

As many as 33% of adults have experienced sexual dysfunction with desire, arousal, or orgasm problems. Hear physical and psychological components. Dr. Helen Singer Kaplan outlines possible psychosomatic causes of physical dysfunctions and Carson discusses premature ejaculation.

Sexual Dysfunction Treatment (02:21)

Treatment for premature ejaculation consists of teaching patients to slow the ejaculatory response. William Masters and Virginia Johnson developed sex therapy techniques in the 1970s. Couples receive behavioral cognitive homework assignments with additional psychodynamic therapy, as needed.

Couples Sexual Therapy (01:16)

Masters and Johnson focused on the couple, rather than the individual. Dr. Domeena Renshaw explains that each individual becomes one another's therapist.

Arousal Disorders (03:58)

Kaplan discusses the misconception that sexual dysfunction is purely psychological; medical issues are common among patients over 50. Treatment includes increased intimacy, new techniques, and changing attitudes. Renshaw argues that most therapy is educational, as well as improving the relationship.

Desire Disorder (05:39)

Jan and Mel share why they sought couples therapy from Renshaw for problems in their sexual relationship. Learn about the sensate focus technique and hear how it helped improve their marriage.

Sexual Disorder Summary (02:10)

There are many factors affecting a person's sexual beliefs and behaviors. Some affect only the individual; others threaten society. They can have a negative impact on emotional well-being, but are the most treatable among psychiatric and medical disorders.

Credits: Sexual Disorders (01:22)

Credits: Sexual Disorders