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Cited by 17Sexual function and dysfunction studiesPsychosomatic Disorders and Their TreatmentsPelvic floor disorders treatments

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: a Biopsychosocial Framework

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Jackowich, Robyn A., Pukall, Caroline F.·2020·Current Sexual Health Reports
DOI 10.1007/s11930-020-00268-2
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Abstract

Purpose of Review: Persistent genital arousal disorder (also referred to as genitopelvic dysesthesia or PGAD/GD) is a distressing and largely underrecognized condition characterized by persistent, unwanted genital arousal (sensations, sensitivity, vasocongestion) in the absence of subjective/cognitive arousal and sexual desire. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings on biological and psychosocial factors in PGAD/GD as they pertain to the assessment and treatment of this condition. These findings will be considered within a biopsychosocial framework, for the purposes of considering next steps for clinical and research efforts. Recent Findings: A small number of studies have recently examined potential biological aetiologies for PGAD/GD: pharmacological agents, spinal pathology and peripheral nerve involvement. Recent studies have also found that PGAD/GD is associated with a significant negative impact on psychosocial wellbeing and daily functioning as compared to symptom-free individuals. In addition, these results highlight cognitive/affective responses to symptoms (e.g. catastrophizing of symptoms) that may influence outcomes. However, biological and psychological research are rarely integrated in these studies, despite the interrelationship between these factors. Summary: Although PGAD/GD was first described in the scientific literature almost two decades ago, most research on PGAD/GD is presented in the form of case studies. Prospective treatment trials that integrate biopsychosocial factors are needed in order to provide effective and efficient care to this population. This research would be facilitated by the development of a patient-reported outcome measure, as well as greater education/awareness among healthcare providers and the public about this distressing condition.

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  • The Fear-Avoidance Model proposes that cognitive and behavioral strategies (cognitive restructuring, exposure, relaxation) could reduce fear and catastrophizing, increase adaptive coping and acceptance, leading to reduced symptoms and increased daily activities.

    “Further, the Fear-Avoidance Model proposes that cognitive and behavioral strategies (e.g., cognitive restructuring, exposure, and relaxation) could be used to reduce fear and catastrophizing, increase adaptive coping, and increase acceptance of PGAD/GPD symptoms, which would then lead to reduced symptoms and increased engagement in activities of daily living (i.e., recovery).”

    From Psychological Treatment of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genitopelvic Dysesthesia Using an Integrative Approach (2023) · cites this paper as Jackowich & Pukall, 2020a

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  • The Fear-Avoidance Model of PGAD/GPD proposes that interpreting physical symptoms as threatening leads to catastrophizing and fear, then hypervigilance and avoidance, leading to negative psychosocial outcomes that maintain the cycle.

    “The Fear-Avoidance Model of PGAD/GPD suggests that if the physical symptoms of PGAD/GPD are interpreted as threatening, this will lead to catastrophizing about and fear of these sensations. Consequently, individuals become hypervigilant and engage in avoidance of behaviors/triggers related to sensations of arousal. Avoidance and hypervigilance then lead to negative psychosocial outcomes (e.g.,”

    From Psychological Treatment of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genitopelvic Dysesthesia Using an Integrative Approach (2023) · cites this paper as Jackowich & Pukall, 2020a

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Research works printed but not linked: 47

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Authors
Jackowich, R. A., & Pukall, C. F.
Affiliations
Queen's University (CA)
Corresponding author
Jackowich, Robyn A.
ORCID
Venue
Current Sexual Health Reports
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2020-08-06
Volume
12
Issue
3
Pages
127-135
ISSN
  • 1548-3584 (ISSN-L)
  • 1548-3592
DOI
10.1007/s11930-020-00268-2
OpenAlex
W3047690671
Cited by
17
References
4
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 3
FWCI
1.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Current Sexual Health Reports (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rheumatology › Pelvic floor disorders treatments
Keywords
persistent genital arousal disorder, biopsychosocial model, psychosocial well-being, etiology, pharmacological agents, spinal pathology, peripheral nerve involvement, treatment, patient-reported outcome measures, healthcare provider awareness

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