Inhibited sexual desire in women

A multifaceted study was conducted to identify differences in biopsychosocial characteristics between a clinical group of 59 married women who complained of inhibited sexual desire (ISD) and 31 married women who expressed normal sexual desire (non-ISD). Areas of examination included personality, endocrine, relationship, and sexual dimensions. Instruments of data collection included the MMPI, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, radioimmunoassay of testosterone and prolactin levels, and a questionnaire which focused on demographic, relationship, and sexual information. Statistical analyses indicated nonsignificant between-group differences on demographic characteristics, personality variables, and hormonal evaluation. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to sexual history and several marital and sexual dimensions. The ISD group reported significantly greater dissatisfaction with these areas than the non-ISD group. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.