Anxiety and Sexual Disorders

In this chapter, we will conceptualize anxiety as a central factor that can interfere with each of the phases of the sexual response cycle (sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm) and that can also contribute to pain associated with sexual activity and/or incapacity of experiencing sexual intercourse (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder). Anxiety could represent the common pathway through which social, psychological, biological, and moral factors converge to impair sexual response. The bidirectional relationship between anxiety and sexual dysfunction is raised, focusing especially on sexual performance anxiety (SPA). The main references of the relationship between anxiety and each of the sexual dysfunctions are sought; and the consequences at the sexual level in some anxiety disorders. Finally, the most recognized therapeutic strategies for the treatment of anxiety related to sexual dysfunctions are proposed: cognitive-behavioral interventions (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions (MBI).