Sexual activity is one of the most sensitive areas of human functioning to external and internal influences. Superimposed on its neuroendocrine regulation are socially conditioned environmental cues as well as normal and pathologic psychological processes. The pervasive effect of mood states on sexual desire, and emotions on sexual performance render sexual behavior especially vulnerable. In spite of their frequent occurrence sexual dysfunctions have not been systematically studied until quite recently. However, with the steadily accumulating information during the past few years, we have gained some understanding as to their nature. This opened new perspectives in regard to treatment.
Although pharmacotherapy of sexual dysfunction is of recent origin, it already has an extensive literature. The purpose of this book is to bring this information together in one volume and integrate it in a manner useful for practicing physicians in general and for psychiatrists in particular.
