Sexual disorders in Asians: a review

Area of Science:

• Sexual health research
• Cross-cultural psychology
• Clinical psychology

Background:

• Conservative attitudes in Asian populations limit discussion of sexual concerns with clinicians.
• Limited research exists on sexuality-related issues within Asian communities.
• Biological and socio-cultural factors differ between Asian populations and Western natives, requiring specific investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for dedicated research on sexual health in Asian populations.
• To analyze the impact of recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) changes on understanding sexual dysfunctions in Asians.
• To address the gap in knowledge regarding Asian sexual health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on existing research concerning Asian sexual health.
• Analysis of changes in the DSM-5 related to sexual dysfunctions, gender dysphoria, and paraphilic disorders.
• Comparative analysis of cultural and biological factors influencing sexual health in Asian versus Western populations.

Main Results:

• Conservative cultural norms create barriers to open communication about sexual health concerns among Asian individuals.
• The DSM-5's revised classifications, including gender-specific criteria for sexual dysfunctions and new categories like gender dysphoria, necessitate a re-evaluation of existing research and clinical practices for Asian populations.
• Significant differences in socio-cultural contexts require tailored approaches to understanding and treating sexual health issues in Asian communities.

Conclusions:

• Dedicated research is crucial to address the unique sexual health needs and concerns of Asian populations.
• The DSM-5 revisions offer a framework for a more nuanced understanding of sexual dysfunctions and related disorders in Asian contexts.
• Future research should focus on culturally sensitive methodologies to explore sexuality in Asian individuals and migrants.