Erectile Disorder 427
Specify current severity:
Mild:  Evidence of mild distress over the symptoms in Criterion A.
Moderate: Evidence of moderate distress ov er the symptoms in Criterion A.
Severe:  Evidence of severe or extreme distress over the symptoms in Criterion A.
Diagnostic Features
The essential feature of erectile disorder is the repeated failure to obtain or maintain erec-
tions during partnered sexual activities (Crite rion A). A careful sexual history is necessary
to ascertain that the problem has been present for a significant duration of time (i.e., at least
approximately 6 months) and occurs on the majo rity of sexual occasions (i.e., at least 75%
of the time). Symptoms may occur only in sp ecific situations involving certain types of
stimulation or partners, or they may occur in  a generalized manner in all types of situa-
tions, stimulatio n, or partners. 
Associated Features Supporting Diagnosis
Many men with erectile disorder may have lo w self-esteem, low self-c onfidence, and a de-
creased sense of masculinity, and may experience depressed affect. Fear and/or avoid-
ance of future sexual encounters may occu r. Decreased sexual satisfaction and reduced
sexual desire in the individual’s partner are common. 
In addition to the subtypes “lifelong/acqu ired” and “generalized/situational,” the fol-
lowing five factors must be considered during  assessment and diagnosis of erectile disorder
given that they may be relevant to etiology and/or treatment: 1) partner factors (e.g., part-
ner’s sexual problems, partner’s health status); 2) relationship factors (e.g., poor communi-
cation, discrepancies in desire for sexual activity); 3) in dividual vulnerability factors (e.g.,