Low sexual desire in women: amongst the confusion, could distress hold the key?

Abstract

With the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) recently released, there has been important debate as to what constitutes low sexual desire/low sexual interest in women and how best to operationalise this construct. A new set of diagnostic criteria has been included for women who present with concerns relating to their level of desire. However, inherent to the diagnosis of “abnormal” or low level of sexual desire or interest, is the notion that there is a “normal” or average level of desire. Given that low desire is present in as many as 55% of women, it is possible that variations in desire levels may be a normative response to life circumstances. Increasing desire level has traditionally been the focus of therapy when individuals and couples experiencing desire problems present for treatment. However, this goal has proven difficult to achieve. Recent research investigating the distress associated with low desire, rather than low desire itself, may encourage a new line of potential treatment targets to address distress, as well as improve relationship quality. This paper will highlight the gaps in our understanding of this construct, outlining the seminal research conducted within the field, and offering support for new directions of enquiry.