Definition:
The term persistent sexual arousal syndrome was first coined in a 2001 article written by Sandra Leiblum and Sharon G. Nathan. Prior to this it had not been reported clinically, and this article sought to outline some common characteristics of persistent sexual arousal syndrome, including:
- Experiencing physiological response similar to sexual arousal (e.g. genital and breast sensitivity and/or engorgement). These physical signs last for an extended period of time (from hours to days) and do not go away on their own.
- These physical signs are not related to feeling sexually excited or sexual desire.
- The physical experience may be triggered by nonsexual events or by nothing at all.
- The physical signs of arousal do not go away after orgasm, or may require multiple orgasms to go away
- The experience is considered intrusive and unwanted, and when it persists, can create significant distress.
Several subsequent studies have been published about PSAS and the original authors have further refined their description and renamed the condition as persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD).
Source:
Leiblum, R.R. & Nathan, S.G. "Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome: A Newly Discovered Pattern of Female Sexuality." Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. Vol. 24, No. 4 (2001): 365-380.
Also Known As: persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD)
