Multiaxial classification of male sexual dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction in male subjects is a multifaceted illness, not appropriately classifiable by any of the current diagnostic systems, in most of which a major disadvantage is their poor inter-rater reliability. This results in over-or underestimation of minor biological (e.g. hormonal) disturbances, which occur in conjunction with the disorder, but are unlikely to be only its pathophysiological correlate. These biological factors can be important in some cases, however, as they indicate therapeutic strategies (e.g. correction of a minor hormonal deficit). The broad acceptance of classificatory systems with multi-axial dimensions has prompted the construction of a new system. In accordance with DSM lll this consists of seven equivalent axes and sub-axes, supplemented by five sub-types, from which the diagnostic attribution can be derived.