Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS) is a disease where the genitals are abnormally sensitive or in a state of near constant arousal. People with this condition report masturbating dozens of times each day in an attempt to relieve the tension or pressure, but this provides only limited, short term relief. This condition should not be confused with nymphomania, as PSAS does not typically involve an increase in desire, emotional arousal, or promiscuity. People with PSAS report their conditions in terms of a tension or itch, not in terms of lust.

Some cases of PSAS have been linked to problems with blood vessels going to the clitoris, in which case, surgery may be an option. In other cases, PSAS has been linked to disturbed neurotransmitters, and sometimes responds to antidepressants. Paradoxically, although antidepressants can often help pre-existing cases of PSAS, going on (or withdrawing from) antidepressants can also trigger persistent sexual arousal syndrome. Trazadone in particular has been mentioned as an SSRI antidepressant that has been associated with PSAS. Some people respond to antiandrogenic drugs that block testerone, and anaesthetic desensitizing creams can provide short-term relief of symptoms.

One documented case of PSAS occurred in a women who was consuming over a pound of soy per day. The PSAS went away a few days after soy was eliminated, leading her doctor to conclude that this woman was unusually sensitive to the phytoestrogens in food.

Most commonly, PSAS occurs in women, although there are a few cases document in men (and priapism may be a male version of PSAS. Many people with mild PSAS are too embarassed to get proper medicial attention, and no one knows how common this condition really is.

A profile of one young woman with PSAS who has 150 orgasms each day is presented by News of the World. The woman claims this condition began shortly after she started prescription anti-depressants.

One on-line resource for persistent sexual arousal syndrome is www.psas-support.com