Psychological assessment measures of female sexual functioning in clinical trials.

The focus of this review is on the psychological measurement of female sexual functioning, and the particular requirements associated with the implementation of psychological instruments as outcomes measures in clinical trials. In addition to the general psychometric criteria which must be met by all psychological measures, unique confounds associated with the nosology of female sexual dysfunctions are also discussed. A rationale for the utilization of measurement models closely tied to the sexual response cycle is articulated, and five specific test instruments which reflect this rationale to varying degrees are reviewed as to their psychometric characteristics, and validity as potential outcomes measures in clinical trials.