Analysis

The DISF examines various domains of sexual functioning through a series of questions and statements that cover five key areas:
Sexual Desire: Assessment of sexual drive and the frequency of sexual thoughts or fantasies.
Sexual Arousal: Measurement of the ability to achieve and maintain sexual arousal, including both physiological and psychological arousal.
Erectile Function/Response (in men): Examination of the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Orgasmic Function: Evaluation of the ability to reach orgasm and the quality of the orgasmic experience.
Sexual Satisfaction: Assessment of satisfaction with sexual activity and relationships.
Participants answer these questions during an interview, and their responses are used to provide a quantitative and qualitative analysis of their sexual functioning.

Purpose

The purpose of the DISF is to provide health professionals with a comprehensive profile of an individual’s sexual functioning, helping them to diagnose sexual dysfunctions and guide therapeutic interventions. This tool enables an in-depth analysis of sexual problems and can be applied in various contexts such as psychotherapy, sexual medicine, and research programs.

Calibration

Calibration of the DISF is based on participants’ responses in each domain of sexual functioning. The total scores provide an indication of overall sexual functioning and can be used to monitor changes over time or following therapeutic interventions. The subscales help identify specific areas of problems or strengths.

References

The literature related to the DISF includes studies examining the validity and reliability of the tool, as well as its application in clinical practice:
Derogatis, L. R., & Melisaratos, N. (1979). The DSFI: A multidimensional measure of sexual functioning. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 5(3), 244–281.
Derogatis, L. R., Rosen, R., Leiblum, S., Burnett, A., & Heiman, J. (2002). The Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS): Initial validation of a standardized scale for assessment of sexually related personal distress in women. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 28(4), 317–330.
Rosen, R. C., & Beck, J. G. (1988). Patterns of sexual arousal: Psychophysiological processes and clinical applications. New York: Guilford Press.