006 A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of Mindfulness for Sex and Intimacy in Relationships (MSIR) in the Treatment of Sexual Dysfunctions

Abstract

Mindfulness therapy in sexology has been investigated in smaller pilot studies, mainly in the treatment of different female sexual difficulties, with promising outcomes. However, the question about whether these outcomes can be applied on a broader level within sex therapy, including men, remains unanswered. To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an 8-week Mindfulness intervention for Sex and Intimacy in Relationships (MSIR) as a supplement to sex therapy, compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU), on a clinical sample of 50 men and women referred with sexual difficulties. So far, 25 participants (12 women and 13 men) referred to our Sexological Clinic with sexual problems such as decreased desire, erectile dysfunction or orgasmic/ejaculatory dysfunction were randomized to either TAU (n=11) or an 8-week MSIR group program followed by TAU (n=14). The MSIR intervention was adapted to sex therapy from the Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy protocol. The primary outcome measure was sexual functioning which were measured by validated questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Measures were assessed using a dependent sample t-test. Validated measures of mindfulness and general well-being were used as secondary outcome measures. The questionnaires were assessed at pre-treatment, after 3 sessions, after 6 sessions, post-treatment and 6 months following treatment. Recruitment started in September 2018 and is still ongoing.