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Sexual Distress Scale

Meaning

A Sexual Distress Scale is a validated psychometric instrument used in clinical practice to quantify the degree of personal distress or interpersonal difficulty an individual experiences due to their sexual function or lack thereof. It serves as a crucial diagnostic tool, as the presence of distress is a mandatory criterion for diagnosing many sexual dysfunctions, distinguishing a mere functional change from a clinical disorder requiring intervention. The scale helps the clinician understand the emotional and psychological impact of a patient’s sexual health concerns.