PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENTS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Psychologists have used 'Uncovering therapy' for decades. Unfortunately, they were not always successful in resolving the erectile problem. In contrast, behaviour therapists have used different methods of treatment, such as positive association. The therapist Joseph Wolpe made a suggestion in 1958 on how to overcome performance anxiety: 'The patient is told that he must on no account perform sexually unless he has an unmistakable positive desire to do so, for otherwise he may consolidate or even extend his inhibitions'.8
Systematic desensitisation is one technique that is used for overcoming performance anxiety and thereby improving erectile function. This is done by gradually increasing the exposure of the anxious patient to the feared, anxiety-inducing act. For example, if the patient is embarrassed about his appearance, he is gradually encouraged to expose himself more and more to his partner.
'Guided imagery rehearsal' is similar to systematic desensitisation. The patient is guided step by step through the actions that he is to go through during sex. As he practises it more and more, he begins to feel comfortable with himself and the situation.
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