The treatment of sexually dysfunctional women without partners: A controlled study of three behavioural group approaches

摘要

Background. In the absence of models of therapy for sexual dysfunction in single women, this study drew on approaches that have been shown to be useful with men. This controlled study compared three approaches to the treatment of sexually dysfunctional single women. Method. Forty-nine sexually dysfunctional women were randomly assigned to treatments focusing on either their sexual dysfunction, their interpersonal problems, a combination of both or a waiting list; 47 completed treatment, and 45 a 1 year follow-up. Treatment was administered in small groups in 15 weekly sessions and four 6 weekly sessions during the first 6 months of a 1 year follow-up. Results. No clinically meaningful change was observed during the waiting period. In contrast, a significant and equivalent improvement was observed in all treatment conditions by the end of treatment and was maintained at 6 and 12 month follow-ups. No significant differences between the treatment conditions were found at any point. Conclusions. Sexual dysfunction in single women responded to treatment by various behavioural group approaches. Clinically, results fell short of the improvements observed in sexually dysfunctional men treated similarly. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.