This study assessed the frequency and type of sexual disorders
associated with Huntington's disease (HD) in an unbiased sample. Of 39 HD
patients and 32 of their partners, 82% and 66%, respectively, had one or
more sexual disorders by DSM-III-R criteria. The most frequent for both
groups was hypoactive sexual disorder. Significantly more patients who had
both inhibited orgasm and increased sexual interest also had paraphilic
disorders. Findings support the hypotheses that sexual disorders are
frequent among HD patients and their partners and that sexual disorders
among HD patients may take the form of increased sexual interest or
paraphilias. The association between inhibited orgasm, increased sexual
interest, and paraphilic disorders will require further investigation but
suggests a possible etiology for some paraphilias.
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