Sexual Disorders
Sexual Disorders
Sexual disorders, also known as sexual dysfunctions, are conditions that prevent individuals from experiencing satisfaction during sexual activity. These disorders can affect both men and women, causing distress, emotional strain, and relationship difficulties. At “Thriving Minds,” we provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating sexual disorders, combining evidence-based therapy, medication, and cutting-edge neuromodulation techniques to help individuals reclaim their sexual well-being.
What is Sexual Disorder?
Sexual disorders refer to problems that occur during any phase of the sexual response cycle (desire, arousal, orgasm, or resolution) and prevent the individual from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity. They can result from a combination of physical, emotional, psychological, or relational factors and often co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It encompasses several different conditions, all of which primarily affect memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities. In addition to dementia, older adults may also experience psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and psychosis, which require careful management and intervention.
Types of Sexual Disorders
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual performance. It is one of the most common sexual disorders in men and can result from both physical conditions (such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease) and psychological factors (such as anxiety or depression).
- Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD): This disorder involves a persistent inability to achieve or maintain adequate lubrication or excitement during sexual activity. FSAD can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and a decline in intimacy.
- Premature Ejaculation (PE): PE refers to ejaculating sooner than desired during sexual activity, often within a minute of penetration. This condition can cause stress, embarrassment, and relationship issues.
- Delayed Ejaculation (DE): Delayed ejaculation is the inability to ejaculate despite adequate sexual stimulation. It may be caused by medical conditions, medication side effects, or psychological factors like stress or performance anxiety.
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD): Individuals with HSDD experience a lack of sexual desire or interest in sexual activity. This disorder can occur in both men and women and may be related to hormonal imbalances, emotional distress, or relationship problems.
- Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD): This condition involves pain during vaginal penetration or difficulty with penetration due to tensing of the pelvic muscles (vaginismus). It can cause significant distress and avoidance of sexual activity.
- Orgasmic Disorders: Both men and women can experience orgasmic disorders, such as the inability to reach orgasm or delayed orgasm despite adequate sexual stimulation.
Signs and Symptoms
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Lack of sexual desire or interest
- Premature or delayed ejaculation
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse
- Difficulty reaching orgasm or reduced intensity of orgasm
- Anxiety, stress, or emotional distress surrounding sexual activity
- Relationship strain due to sexual difficulties
Comprehensive Treatments at Thriving Minds
At “Thriving Minds,” we provide a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and relational aspects of sexual disorders. Our treatment plans are tailored to each individual, combining therapy, medication, and neuromodulation techniques for optimal results. At “Thriving Minds,” we provide a comprehensive range of treatment options for dementia and other geriatric psychiatry disorders, designed to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and enhance the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. Our dedicated team of mental health professionals offers personalized ADHD treatment plans, including:
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy :
CBT is one of the most effective therapies for treating sexual disorders. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative beliefs about sex, build confidence, and reduce performance anxiety. CBT is particularly beneficial for conditions like erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and hypo-active sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
B. Sex Therapy :
Sex therapy involves addressing both the emotional and relational components of sexual dysfunction. It helps individuals and couples navigate communication issues, performance anxiety, and emotional barriers to intimacy. By improving emotional connection and understanding, sex therapy can restore sexual satisfaction.
C. Mindfulness-Based Therapy :
Mindfulness techniques can help individuals focus on the present moment and reduce anxiety surrounding sexual performance. This is particularly helpful for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD), and delayed ejaculation.
D. Medication Management :
Medications can play a significant role in treating sexual disorders. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED). Antidepressants like SSRIs can be used to treat premature ejaculation (PE) by delaying ejaculation. In cases of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), hormonal treatments such as testosterone therapy or flibanserin (Addyi) may be considered.
E. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) :
ECT may be considered in extreme cases of sexual disorders that co-occur with treatment-resistant depression or anxiety, where severe emotional distress is affecting sexual function. ECT can stabilize mood and improve sexual functioning by addressing underlying psychiatric conditions.
F. Ketamine Therapy :
Ketamine has shown potential in managing sexual dysfunction associated with co-occurring depression or anxiety. By rapidly alleviating symptoms of depression, ketamine can help individuals engage more effectively in therapy, improving their sexual health and overall well-being.
- Neuromodulation Techniques
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS):
rTMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has shown promise in treating sexual disorders related to psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or performance issues. By targeting areas of the brain associated with sexual desire and mood regulation, rTMS may help improve symptoms of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS):
tDCS is a non-invasive treatment that uses mild electrical stimulation to modulate brain activity in areas responsible for mood and sexual desire. Research is still emerging, but tDCS holds potential in helping manage sexual dysfunction in individuals with underlying mood disorders.
- Biofeedback Therapy: Biofeedback helps individuals gain control over physiological processes, such as muscle tension and heart rate, which can contribute to sexual dysfunction. By learning to relax and manage stress, individuals can improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED), genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD), and other disorders related to anxiety and performance issues.
- Virtual Reality Therapy (VR): Virtual Reality Therapy can be used to treat anxiety or trauma-related sexual dysfunctions by creating controlled virtual environments where individuals can confront their fears and anxieties surrounding sexual activity. VR therapy provides a safe space to work through performance anxiety, past traumas, or intimacy issues that may be contributing to sexual dysfunction.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy: For disorders involving pain or penetration difficulties, such as genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD), pelvic floor therapy can be highly effective. This therapy focuses on strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles to reduce pain and improve sexual functioning.
- Group Therapy & Peer Support: Group therapy offers a supportive environment for individuals and couples to discuss their experiences with sexual dysfunction. Peer support provides validation, encouragement, and an opportunity to learn from others dealing with similar challenges.
Why Choose Our Clinic?
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At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
Dr. Smruti Pradhan
“Dr Ankita has helped me to live this life what I m living today. She is an amazing psychiatrist who will treat you without you even realising that you have being treated. I never hesitated to share anything with her during my therapy as I was very comfortable with her. Please feel free to consult her for your problem. I will always be thankful to her for whole of my life.”
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At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
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Different forms of treatments are used by psychiatrists as per the patient’s needs. It may be talk therapy or psychosocial intervention or medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy will usually involve the therapist and the patient talking between themselves. The aim is to limit the symptoms for the patient to feel better. The therapy can continue over some time depending on the patient’s symptoms. It can involve either the individual patient or even a group of people. Talk therapy can be in many forms; such as helping the patient with a behavioral change; overcoming the effects of difficult relationships; etc. Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and other emotional troubles, use various types of medications to treat the symptoms. The process of it is not fully known but it may alter the brain’s chemical signalling. This will help control the symptoms. Patients undergoing long-term treatment will need to visit at regular intervals to monitor the changes. Psychiatrists also perform various interventional procedures like ECT, rTMS, tDCS, Ketamine Infusion etc. to alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery.
Mental disorder treatments depend upon the severity of the issue; such as the intensity of the problems faced; the pros and cons associated with a treatment; etc. The treatment is done by making a personalized and careful plan for the patient. This includes a collaboration between the patient and the physician. Most treatments include having psychotherapy sessions; medications; etc. Also; a good support system is paramount to the recovery of the person. Changes in lifestyle; such as daily exercise; adequate sleep; proper balanced diet can help the person recover quickly. The individualized treatment plan will involve all these steps to make a quick recovery. Doctors and therapists help out the person and their families in understanding their metal disorder and the ways to battle it out.
According to scientific studies; psychotherapy relieves the person from distress and helps them in living a better life. Approximately 75% of people who have undergone psychotherapy have felt better. It has been associated with influencing positive changes within the body and has shown significant progress in emotional and mental wellness. Psychotherapy also shows that people undergoing it take fewer sick leaves; experience fewer medical problems and report a satisfaction in their life and work. Today; techniques like brain imaging have shown that psychotherapy induces a change in the brain. This altered brain images are similar to changes that happen as a result of medications. It is important to know that to benefit from psychotherapy; one needs to be honest and insistent upon following their treatment plans. Sometimes; practices such as; journal writing may also be of help.
Telepsychiatry is a convenient option for many to seek easier to access and affordable options. It helps the patients by- Making health care accessible in regions where it is not easily provided. Taking the care facility to the patient’s home virtually. Limiting the needs to visit a doctor over long distance. Timely health care options. Continuous improvement in health care with virtual follow ups. Reducing the need to take leave from work or other services. Removing the obstacles to stigma associated with mental health. Allowing privacy and safety to many. Many people are comfortable in virtual set-ups rather than real time meetings. This will allow them to open up more and feel relaxed. Telepsychiatry has been a major way of seeking help; especially during Covid-19 pandemic.
