The effectiveness of an internet-based psychological treatment program for female sexual dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction. There has been limited evaluation of the effectiveness of psychological interventions for female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Furthermore, none of these studies have evaluated the effectiveness of these programs delivered over the Internet. Aim. The current study evaluated an Internet-based psychological treatment program for FSD. Revive consisted of three well-established and validated treatment components: communication skills training, sensate focus exercises, and regular contact with a therapist. Main Outcome Measures. Outcome measures included: the Female Sexual Function Index; the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale; the Sexual Function Scale; and the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships. Methods. In total, 39 women (17 in treatment group and 22 in control group) completed the program. The mean age for the treatment group was 34.91 (standard deviation [SD]=10.27) and 33.30 years (SD=9.34) for the control group. Results. The results demonstrated that women who completed treatment reported improved sexual and relationship functioning in comparison with those who received no treatment. Conclusions. These findings highlight the suitability of the Internet for providing psychological treatment for FSD and for targeting the individual and relationship factors often associated with these disorders. © 2011 International Society for Sexual Medicine.