1
|
Kümpers FMLM, Sinke C, Schippert C, Kollewe K, Körner S, Raab P, Meyer B, Maschke S, Karst M, Sperling C, Dalkeranidis E, Krüger THC. Clinical characterisation of women with persistent genital arousal disorder: the iPGAD-study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22814. [PMID: 38129493 PMCID: PMC10739833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) is a rare condition-mostly in women-where patients perceive prolonged genital arousal without any sexual desire or stimulation. Etiopathological considerations reach from peripheral to central issues over local disturbance of the pudendal nerve to neuropathy, psychosocial, and pharmacological theories. Since well controlled clinical studies about PGAD in conjunction with a mental and somatic health status are missing, this study is a detailed clinical investigation of PGAD patients compared to healthy controls. 26 women who fulfilled diagnostic criteria for PGAD were compared to 26 age matched healthy controls. Investigations included comparison of vegetative, gynaecological and sexual history, psychiatric features as well as a (neuro-)radiological, neurophysiological and gynaecological examination. Moreover, a detailed clinical characterisation of PGAD symptoms was performed. PGAD symptoms were mostly characterised as tingling or prickling and were permanently present. In over 80%, PGAD symptoms were located in the clitoris. Almost 70% reported radiations to other regions of the body. Most frequent trigger factors were tight clothes, mental stress, driving a car/bus/bicycle and sexual intercourse. Relieving factors were mainly distraction, relaxation, physical exercise, masturbation and swimming. In group comparisons, PGAD presented with significant higher rates of sexual dysfunctions, spontaneous orgasms, swelling of the genitals, extraordinary lubrication as well as higher rates in depression, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder and lifetime panic disorder. Significantly more PGAD patients were diagnosed with restless legs symptoms. In contrast childhood traumatization, somatization disorder, suicidality, gynaecological as well as neurophysiological examination of the pudendal nerve were not different between the groups. MRI of the brain, pelvis and spinal cord was unsuspicious and incidental findings - including Tarlov cysts or pelvic venous congestion - were equally distributed among the groups. In summary, our study provides a careful characterization of women with PGAD highlighting a serious mental burden, most probably as a consequence of PGAD. With the current set of clinical investigations there was no evidence of a clear causal relationship to a specific clinical finding as it has been previously discussed. Future studies and additional techniques will have to further explore where and how in the peripheral or central nervous systems PGAD develops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M L M Kümpers
- Divison of Clinical Psychology and Sexual Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christopher Sinke
- Divison of Clinical Psychology and Sexual Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cordula Schippert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katja Kollewe
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sonja Körner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Raab
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bernhard Meyer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabine Maschke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Karst
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Sperling
- Divison of Clinical Psychology and Sexual Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eleni Dalkeranidis
- Divison of Clinical Psychology and Sexual Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tillmann H C Krüger
- Divison of Clinical Psychology and Sexual Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Suwarno S, Vedula S, Shah N, Artounian K, Petty A. Lamotrigine-Induced Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder and a Potential Treatment. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 49:96-98. [PMID: 35575043 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2073931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) is a rare disorder characterized by involuntary genital arousal without relief after orgasm or subjective feelings of sexual excitement. There is sparse data for effective treatments of PGAD, which can cause significant distress, anxiety, and depression for patients. We present a case of a patient with major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who was diagnosed with PGAD shortly after she was started on lamotrigine for mood stabilization. Inpatient psychiatric treatment with increasing doses of sertraline resulted in reduction of her symptoms, suggesting its possible role in PGAD treatment and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Suwarno
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Samhita Vedula
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Neet Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kim Artounian
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alena Petty
- Department of Psychiatry, Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
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.
Collapse
|