Differential effects of performance demand and distraction on sexually functionally and dysfunctional males

Article Abstract:

Many investigators believe that anxiety is a major factor in sexual dysfunction. However, recent studies suggest that sexual function is not necessarily affected by anxiety. Ten sexually functional and 10 sexually dysfunctional men ranging from 23 to 54 years of age participated in a study which measured the effects of distraction and performance demand upon sexual function. Arousal was measured by a mechanical penile strain gauge used to record circumference changes of the penis. Three trials were performed on all of the subjects while they viewed an erotic film. During the first, 'neutral,' trial, the men were asked to perform a mental exercise involving the estimation of the length and width of a straight line which appeared concurrently on another video screen. The second, 'performance demand,' trial involved live visual genital feedback that appeared on the screen every 30 seconds. Based on this live visual image, the subjects were asked to estimate the extent of their erections and to assess whether their erections were sufficient for sexual intercourse. These two activities required about the same amount of effort, but differed in nature. During the third trial, the erotic film was viewed without distractions. The results indicated that the simultaneous presentation of the subject's own genital response during the performance trial significantly increased levels of sexual arousal in the sexually functional group. Conversely, responses of the dysfunctional subjects decreased and the lowest levels of arousal were recorded during the performance demand trial. This was the most significant difference recorded, which implies that increased performance anxiety is critical in the performance problems of sexually dysfunctional men. During the neutral trial, very little effect was recorded in any of subjects. The same amount of arousal was recorded for both functional and dysfunctional men during the third trial, where there were no distractions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexual behavior, Sexual disorders, Sexual excitement

---

Nocturnal panic: response to hyperventilation and carbon dioxide challenges

Article Abstract:

Nocturnal panic is defined as a panic attack that occurs while the individual is sleeping. The precise cause of nocturnal panic is not known, but it has been surmised that it is related to respiration and carbon dioxide imbalances, in particular, a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia) due to chronic hyperventilation. Therefore, the ventilatory response associated with nocturnal panic was investigated in 34 patients who met the criteria for panic disorder. Sixteen of these patients reported nocturnal panic and 18 individuals had not had a previous episode of nocturnal panic; these two groups were compared. Measurements were taken to detect chronic hyperventilation and hypersensitivity to carbon dioxide. Three intervals were assessed: baseline, forced periods of hyperventilation, and carbon dioxide inhalation phases. Psychophysiological and subjective measurements were also made. No differences between the two groups were observed in their reactions to carbon dioxide or in the frequency of panic attacks induced during the assessment. The same proportion of subjects within each group experienced panic attacks in response to laboratory stimuli (hyperventilation or carbon dioxide inhalation). No support for the theory that carbon dioxide hypersensitivity and chronic hyperventilation cause nocturnal panic attacks was obtained. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Carbon dioxide, Hypercapnia, Hyperventilation, Panic attacks

---

Comparison of bulimics, obese binge eaters, social phobics, and individuals with panic disorder on comorbidity across DSM-III-R anxiety disorders

Article Abstract:

A study to compare the psychological profiles of people suffering from bulimia, binge-eating, social phobias and panic disorders was conducted. Subjects of the study included 20 bulimics, 20 obese binge eaters, 20 social phobics and 20 suffering from panic disorders. They were all female. Results indicate that bulimics and obese binge eaters suffered from other anxiety disorders. Depression was prevalent among all cases.

Research, Eating disorders, Bulimia, Anxiety, Panic disorders

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Age differences in source monitoring of performed and imagined actions on immediate and delayed tests. Reality monitoring of performed and imagined interactive events: development and contextual effects
• Abstracts: Determinants of the institutionalization of planned organizational change
• Abstracts: ECT for Parkinson's disease. Differential effects of right unilateral and bilateral ECT on heart rate. The diagnostic implications of formal thought disorder in mania and schizophrenia: a reassessment
• Abstracts: HIV-related symptoms and psychological functioning in a cohort of homosexual men. Study of 60 patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex requiring psychiatric hospitalization
• Abstracts: Cocaine abuse among schizophrenic patients. Late-life onset of panic disorder with agoraphobia in three patients

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.