Specific components in the etiology, assessment, and treatment of male sexual dysfunctions: controlled outcome studies.

Controlled outcome studies investigating specific components in the etiology, assessment, and treatment of male sexual disorders are reviewed. Premature ejaculators appear just as accurate in assessing their levels of sexual arousal as are men not suffering from this condition. Absolute levels of sexual activity or desire do not seem to be as important for these individuals as has been suggested. Attempts to distinguish organic versus functional erectile failure using the MMPI or historical data have generally proved unsuccessful. Treatment effectiveness in premature ejaculation may be due to elevating the sensory threshold or may be an artifact of simply prescribing more frequent sexual activities. Removing performance demands through cognitive restructuring and sexual communication training shows promise in the treatment of erectile failure.