The Effectiveness of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Female Sexual Dysfunctions

Abstract

Aim and Background: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) in women with sexual dysfunctions resistant to common sex therapy (cognitive-behavioral and bio-medical), and evaluate improvement maintenance in follow-up. Methods and Materials: This study was based on a single-subject research design which consisted of screening and intervention. 5 patients entered the study with several inclusion criteria, and therapeutic screening was performed among female clients with sexual dysfunctions in Tehran, Iran. The participants underwent intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy. Data were collected using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire, and Subjective Evaluation of Partner’s Sexual Function (SEOPSF) scale. Findings: Intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, in comparison to common sex therapy, improved sexual function among the participoants, and moveed them above the normal cut-off point. Moreover, this change led to significant promotion of their sexual quality of life. The trend of changes, when the first breakthrough to the unconscious occurred in a subject, showed considerable growth which could be the evidence for psychodynamic etiology of sexual dysfunction. The promotion of sexual function and sexual quality of life in subjects was remarkable during the 8 th week follow-up session. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that in such a condition, contemporary dynamic psychotherapy with an integrative, intensive, and short-term nature can be known as a suitable alternative for common sex therapy, and the intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy seems to be the best choice in this regard.

Keywords

• psychodynamic psychotherapy
• sexual dysfunctions
• treatment-resistant
• sex therapy