Aging and sexuality.

Background: Sexuality has become a medical issue in association with aging. This is due to a number of factors, including increasing age of survival, a positive societal construct that promotes sexuality as important for quality of life as we age, and the medicalisation of sexuality with the advent of prescription medications to treat sexual dysfunction.

Objective: This article reviews the factors surrounding aging and sexuality and also considers special situations with age, such as institutionalised care and the possibility of elder abuse.

Persistent hallucinosis in borderline personality disorder.

A case series of 10 patients with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) presenting with auditory hallucinosis is examined. In this series, the hallucinations were persistent, longstanding, and a significant source of distress and disability. Extrapolating from this series to our sample of 171 patients with BPD suggests that a form of auditory hallucinosis may occur in almost 30% of this population.

Older women's sexuality.

In consultations with older women, doctors should ask about sexual problems. A holistic approach is needed to examine the many different factors that can affect sexuality. Hormonal changes associated with ageing have an impact on women's sexuality.

Sexuality and body image after cancer.

Background: Cancer and its treatments can profoundly affect a person's sexuality including their body image, sexual functioning, relationships, identity and self esteem. One of the more common long lasting effects of cancer treatment is sexual dysfunction, yet for a number of reasons, health practitioners may not adequately address these topics.

Objective: This article describes the range of factors contributing to psychosexual problems for people with cancer and provides a useful framework for addressing problems and taking a sexual history.