OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on persistent genital arousal disorder, a clinical syndrome that affects only women, recently described in the literature, characterized by symptoms of physiological arousal in the absence of desire or sexual stimulation. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and search of the scientific basis PubMed, ISI, SciELO and PsycInfo. Of the total number of articles found, 27 were selected to incorporate this review. RESULTS: Most articles are reports of cases. Although some diagnostic hypotheses have been proposed, there is no consensus yet on the etiology, risk factors, and epidemiology of the disorder. The literature suggests a positive relationship between the presence of the disorder and depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for further studies for better understanding of this clinical picture. It is possible that many cases go unnoticed by health professionals for lack of knowledge of diagnostic criteria.
Sexuality; physiological sexual dysfunction; psychogenic sexual dysfunction; diagnosis
