From the Guidelines
For psychosexual advice, I strongly recommend seeking help from a qualified professional such as a sex therapist, psychologist, or counselor who specializes in sexual health, as this approach has been shown to improve sexual satisfaction and overall wellbeing 1. When it comes to addressing sexual problems, a comprehensive approach that considers both psychological and physical components is often most effective. This may involve a combination of talk therapy, behavioral exercises, and sometimes medical interventions. Some key points to consider when seeking psychosexual advice include:
- The importance of discussing sexual health concerns with a primary care provider, who can rule out medical causes and provide referrals to specialized professionals 1
- The value of cognitive-behavioral therapy and other specific approaches in addressing sexual difficulties 1
- The need for education and symptom management tailored to the individual's specific concerns and circumstances 1
- The importance of considering the patient's literacy level, cultural/religious beliefs, and sexual orientation when providing education and guidance 1 In terms of specific recommendations, seeking help from a qualified professional such as a sex therapist, psychologist, or counselor who specializes in sexual health is the most effective way to address psychosexual concerns and improve overall wellbeing 1. Some benefits of seeking professional help for psychosexual advice include:
- Improved sexual satisfaction and overall wellbeing
- Addressing underlying psychological and physical components of sexual difficulties
- Developing personalized strategies for managing sexual health concerns
- Enhancing communication and intimacy with partners Overall, seeking professional help for psychosexual advice is a crucial step in addressing sexual health concerns and improving overall quality of life 1.
From the Research
Psychosexual Advice
- Human sexuality plays a significant role in an individual's existence and functioning, and it is often defined by social attitudes 2.
- These social attitudes can contribute to stigma and prevent people from seeking help for mental health problems, emphasizing the need for sensitive and non-discriminatory psychiatric services 2.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective approach in managing mental health and stress-related disorders, including those related to psychosexual issues 3, 4, 5.
- Barriers to seeking medical help for sexual concerns in mid- and later life include psychosocial factors, inadequate training for healthcare professionals, and limited knowledge of later-life sexuality issues 6.
- Education and training for healthcare professionals are crucial in providing effective and non-judgmental support for individuals with psychosexual concerns 2, 6.
Treatment Approaches
- CBT and medication are two common treatment modalities for depression, which can be related to psychosexual issues 5.
- The combination of fluoxetine with CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for adolescents with major depressive disorder, with a significant reduction in suicidal thinking 4.
- Online CBT or self-help CBT using a mobile app can be a useful approach in managing mental health and stress-related disorders, but it should be applied with care and consideration of cost-effectiveness and applicability 3.