materials for your practice

The Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS)1

The DSDS is a simple, 5-question, validated screening tool designed to help you assess sexual problems and diagnose generalized, acquired hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

The first 4 YES/NO questions address the diagnostic criteria for low sexual desire and associated distress. The fifth question (patient circles all factors that may apply) helps rule out potential medical conditions and other psychiatric problems.

Questions you will see on the DSDS

  1. In the past, was your level of sexual desire or interest good & satisfying to you?
  2. Has there been a decrease in your level of sexual desire or interest?
  3. Are you bothered by the decreased level of sexual desire or interest?
  4. Would you like your level of sexual desire or interest to increase?
  5. What factors do you feel may be contributing to your current decrease in sexual desire or interest?
    1. An operation, depression, injuries, or other medical condition
    2. Medications, drugs, or alcohol you are currently taking
    3. Pregnancy, recent childbirth, menopausal symptoms
    4. Other sexual issues you may be having (pain, decreased arousal or orgasm)
    5. Your partner’s sexual problems
    6. Dissatisfaction with your relationship or partner
    7. Stress or fatigue

The DSDS can be given to patients to help you identify and begin a conversation about HSDD.

Download the DSDS for your practice

Coding for HSDD

According to a study of 154 healthcare professionals*

HSDD is the most prevalent type of female sexual desire disorder (FSD), but was miscoded over one-third of the time.2-4

Below is the correct diagnostic code for your practice to use for patients with HSDD.

ICD=International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

*

This Palatin-supported research was performed by Trinity Partners in compliance with the established standard for market, opinion, and social research. Among the healthcare professionals who completed the study, 54 were primary care physicians, 50 were obstetrician-gynecologists, and 50 were psychiatrists.

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References

References: 1. Clayton AH, Goldfischer ER, Goldstein I, DeRogatis L, Lewis‐D’Agostino DJ, Pyke R. Validation of the decreased sexual desire screener (DSDS): a brief diagnostic instrument for generalized acquired female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). J Sex Med. 2009;6(3):730‐738. 2. Shifren JL, Monz BU, Russo PA, Segreti A, Johannes CB. Sexual problems and distress in United States women: prevalence and correlates. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112(5):970‐978. 3. Data on file; publication pending. Palatin Technologies, Inc. 2018. 4. World Health Organization. International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems. 10th revision, 5th ed. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2016.