Sexual Function in People with Disability and Chronic Illness

Reviewer: Robert J. Hartke, PhD, MPH(Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
Description: This comprehensive review of sexual function and dysfunction in illness and disability provides an overview of general sexual functioning and its evaluation. It covers in detail dysfunction in specific illnesses and disabilities, and treatments.
Purpose: The goal is to inform readers about sexual function in illness and disability, to foster interdisciplinary interaction on the topic of sexual function and illness, and promote research in the area. These objectives are met very well in this comprehensive book. Such a well-prepared book on this topic is long overdue.
Audience: The book is addressed to clinical professionals, although students would find the information valuable. Medical professionals from a variety of disciplines are the expected audience, including counselors and patient educators. The book will most likely be of greatest interest to physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals. It is an edited work with a large, qualified range of contributors, mostly physical medicine and rehabilitation professionals from the Eastern U.S.
Features: This hardbound book has a durable laminated cover meant to withstand repeated reference. It is well printed with attention to detail. The table of contents provides considerable information and the sequence of chapters flows logically. Each chapter contains a reference list and the index is extensive. Illustrations and tables nicely supplement the text and are generally clear and sensitively presented.
Assessment: This is an excellent, thorough book on the topic of sexual function and illness. Chapters are well written and topics are inclusive (e.g., perspective of the person with disability, alternate lifestyles, ethics, and sexual abuse). It is highly recommended to health science libraries, medical bookstores, and individuals who specialize in treatment of patients with chronic illness and disability.

Robert J. Hartke

This comprehensive review of sexual function and dysfunction in illness and disability provides an overview of general sexual functioning and its evaluation. It covers in detail dysfunction in specific illnesses and disabilities, and treatments. The goal is to inform readers about sexual function in illness and disability, to foster interdisciplinary interaction on the topic of sexual function and illness, and promote research in the area. These objectives are met very well in this comprehensive book. Such a well-prepared book on this topic is long overdue. The book is addressed to clinical professionals, although students would find the information valuable. Medical professionals from a variety of disciplines are the expected audience, including counselors and patient educators. The book will most likely be of greatest interest to physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals. It is an edited work with a large, qualified range of contributors, mostly physical medicine and rehabilitation professionals from the Eastern U.S. This hardbound book has a durable laminated cover meant to withstand repeated reference. It is well printed with attention to detail. The table of contents provides considerable information and the sequence of chapters flows logically. Each chapter contains a reference list and the index is extensive. Illustrations and tables nicely supplement the text and are generally clear and sensitively presented. This is an excellent, thorough book on the topic of sexual function and illness. Chapters are well written and topics are inclusive (e.g., perspective of the person with disability, alternate lifestyles, ethics, and sexual abuse). It is highlyrecommended to health science libraries, medical bookstores, and individuals who specialize in treatment of patients with chronic illness and disability.

4 Stars! from Doody