Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD) is a significant concern for many women. Halls and Binik (2020) highlight SIAD as one of the most common sexual concerns among women, with research (Taylor, 2015; Gunst et al., 2018; Stephenson et al., 2021) supporting its frequent clinical presentation.
Alright, let’s talk about SIAD—what’s the deal?
SIAD involves at least three of the following symptoms persisting for six months or more, causing significant distress (Graham, 2016):
• Lack of sexual interest or erotic thoughts.
• Decreased initiation or response to sexual activity.
• Reduced pleasure or excitement during sexual activity.
• Reduced responsiveness to sexual cues.
• Diminished genital or non-genital sensations during sexual encounters.
This disorder affects many, with studies like Lin et al. (2022) reporting its prevalence in 70.9% of gynecological cancer survivors with sexual dysfunction. SIAD is most common in women aged 55–64 (Mitchell et al., 2013; Quinn-Nilas et al., 2018), likely reflecting age-related factors.
What Causes SIAD—and How to Treat It
SIAD arises from a range of causes, including relational challenges (Debrot et al., 2017), hormonal changes (Reed et al., 2016), and sociocultural influences (Brotto et al., 2016).
While pharmacological options such as Flibanserin and testosterone therapy show mixed results (Both, 2017; Lodise, 2017; "Therapeutic Use of Testosterone for Women," 2022), psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness have shown promise.
CBT, which addresses maladaptive thought patterns, is particularly effective in enhancing sexual motivation and reducing distress (Mestre-Bach et al., 2022a; Pyke & Clayton, 2015). Mindfulness-based interventions also improve symptoms by fostering present-moment awareness (Brotto et al., 2022). However, treatments should be tailored to individual needs, incorporating physical examinations, relational counselling, and diverse therapeutic options (Hertlein et al., 2020).
Do you feel like SIAD hits close to home?
Connect with Merle at TwoOceans, a skilled clinical psychosexual therapist.
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