Panic disorder and female sexual dysfunction: Biological and psychological factors and treatment considerations

This dissertation considers the relationship between panic disorder (PD) and sexual dysfunction in women. The literature review shows that PD and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) are linked psychologically and biologically. The biological mechanisms of PD and FSD are examined and compared, in order to understand the reasons for this common comorbidity. Circumstances in which treatment for one disorder (PD or FSD) might exacerbate the other disorder are discussed, with speculation and recommendations about how to maximize treatment efficacy for each disorder when both exist. The final element of this dissertation is a treatment protocol that uses validated cognitive behavioral therapies as a model, integrating the treatments so as to address both PD and FSD in the same individual.