Couple interactional classification of sexual dysfunction--a new theoretical conceptualization

Sex therapists traditionally speak of the couple's relationship as "the patient." However, existing diagnostic classifications prove to be random lists of dysfunctions and are unrelated to the dyad as a couple. Each partner is classified independently and out of context of the dyad on the basis of lists of male/female dysfunctions. A merging of gynecosexological and behavioral psychosexological approaches has led us to develop a new holistic classification--and, what we believe to be, a more rational one--of sexual dysfunctions. It is based on a ranking of the disorders according to the seriousness of the disruption to the dyad's functioning as a couple. The sexual dysfunctions are classified according to the degree of stress activated within the couple's relationship, thus enabling the therapist, from the beginning, to develop rapport and increased motivation by the clients, which will positively affect the therapeutic outcome, even in the so-called serious cases.