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Huang S, Li Z, Santtila P. The Effectiveness of Online Sensate Focus Exercises in Enhancing Sexual Function and Intimacy Among Chinese Heterosexual Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2024; 50:707-724. [PMID: 38853443 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2024.2355229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the effectiveness of online Sensate Focus exercises, delivered online as a series of 11 animation videos, in improving participants' sexual functioning and enhancing intimacy, relationship and sexual satisfaction. We studied 35 Chinese heterosexual couples, assessed them at pretest, post-test, and a three-month follow-up. Compared to the waitlist control group, the experimental group showed improvement in orgasm in women, and this was maintained at follow-up. Also, for those with a lower function at pretest, the intervention was possibly effective in improving erectile function among men, as well as overall sexual function and pain among women. These improvements were maintained at follow-up as well. Findings from the current study suggest that online Sensate Focus intervention has potential in treating sexual dysfunction of Chinese heterosexual couples. It may also serve as the first part of a stepped care approach or be integrated with other medication or cognitive behavioral therapy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Huang
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pekka Santtila
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Sharifipour F, Qaderi K, Peighambardoost R, Zahedian M, Azizi F, Faal Siahkal S. Impact of Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Sexual Dysfunction of Women in Reproductive Age: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2024; 36:287-301. [PMID: 39148917 PMCID: PMC11323872 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2024.2360731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Background A large number of women suffer from sexual dysfunction. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a psycho-educational therapy the main purpose of which is to help the individual alter their dysfunctional beliefs and behaviors. We investigated the impact of CBT on reproductive-aged women's sexual function. Methods The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis in which a number of databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase) were searched from inception to November 2023. Clinical trials examining the impact of CBT on female sexual dysfunction were included. This study evaluated female sexual function and its components, including satisfaction, discomfort, lubrication, arousal, climax, desire, and assertiveness. We used Review Manager version 5.3 for performing the meta-analysis. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Seven articles including a total of 448 women with sexual dysfunction were reviewed. The participants' mean age in the CBT groups was 33.43 ± 6.04 years and that of the control group was 33.24 ± 5.97, which were not significantly different. Our results indicated that CBT is efficient in improving the total score of women's sexual function (SMD = 1.34, 95% CI = (1.02, 1.65), I2 = 86%), sexual satisfaction, lubrication, desire, orgasm, and assertiveness compared with the control group. However, CBT had no positive effect on reducing sexual pain. Conclusion Based on the result of the current study, CBT can be suggested as an effective treatment method along with other treatments for women with sexual problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foruzan Sharifipour
- Midwifery, Clinical Research Development Center, Motazedi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kowsar Qaderi
- Reproductive Health, Clinical Research Development Center, Motazedi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Zahedian
- Librarian of Nursing and Midwifery Department, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Faeze Azizi
- Midwifery, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shahla Faal Siahkal
- Midwifery, Department of Midwifery, Marand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran
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Meyers M, Margraf J, Velten J. Subjective effects and perceived mechanisms of change of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based online interventions for low sexual desire in women. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 49:902-916. [PMID: 37260167 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2217174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) are effective treatments for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD) in women. To date, evidence regarding the mechanisms of these treatments for improving low sexual desire is still lacking. To gain comprehensive information on the subjective effects and perceived mechanisms of change of CBT and MBT for HSDD, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 51 cis-women who participated in a trial investigating internet-based CBT and MBT for HSDD. Data were analyzed with deductive and inductive content analysis. Subjective treatment effects included increased desire, improved communication, and greater self-acceptance. Different mechanisms of change for CBT and MBT were endorsed by participants. This study provides tangible evidence of the different pathways through which CBT and MBT can improve women's sexual desire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Meyers
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julia Velten
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Alavi N, Moghimi E, Stephenson C, Gutierrez G, Jagayat J, Kumar A, Shao Y, Miller S, Yee CS, Stefatos A, Gholamzadehmir M, Abbaspour Z, Shirazi A, Gizzarelli T, Khan F, Patel C, Patel A, Yang M, Omrani M. Comparison of online and in-person cognitive behavioral therapy in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a non-randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1113956. [PMID: 37187863 PMCID: PMC10175610 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1113956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The increased prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) amid the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in substantial growth in online mental health care delivery. Compared to its in-person counterpart, online cognitive behavioral therapy (e-CBT) is a time-flexible and cost-effective method of improving MDD symptoms. However, how its efficacy compares to in-person CBT is yet to be explored. Therefore, the current study compared the efficacy of a therapist-supported, electronically delivered e-CBT program to in-person therapy in individuals diagnosed with MDD. Methods Participants (n = 108) diagnosed with MDD selected either a 12 week in-person CBT or an asynchronous therapist-supported e-CBT program. E-CBT participants (n = 55) completed weekly interactive online modules delivered through a secure cloud-based online platform (Online Psychotherapy Tool; OPTT). These modules were followed by homework in which participants received personalized feedback from a trained therapist. Participants in the in-person CBT group (n = 53) discussed sessions and homework with their therapists during one-hour weekly meetings. Program efficacy was evaluated using clinically validated symptomatology and quality of life questionnaires. Results Both treatments yielded significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life from baseline to post-treatment. Participants who opted for in-person therapy presented significantly higher baseline symptomatology scores than the e-CBT group. However, both treatments demonstrated comparable significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life from baseline to post-treatment. e-CBT seems to afford higher participant compliance as dropouts in the e-CBT group completed more sessions on average than those in the in-person CBT group. Conclusion The findings support e-CBT with therapist guidance as a suitable option to treat MDD. Future studies should investigate how treatment accessibility is related to program completion rates in the e-CBT vs. in-person group. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.Gov Protocol Registration and Results System (NCT04478058); clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04478058.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Nazanin Alavi,
| | - Elnaz Moghimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gilmar Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jasleen Jagayat
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anchan Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yijia Shao
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shadé Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Caitlin S. Yee
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anthi Stefatos
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Zara Abbaspour
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tessa Gizzarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Ferwa Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Charmy Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Archana Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Megan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mohsen Omrani
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
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