Internet-administered cognitive behavioral therapy for hypersexual disorder, with or without paraphilia(s) or paraphilic disorder(s) in men: a pilot study

Abstract

To investigate the effects of Internet-administered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) on hypersexual disorder (HD), with or without paraphilia(s) or paraphilic disorder(s). Male participants (n = 36) evaluated positive according to the proposed diagnostic HD criteria, with or without paraphilia(s) or paraphilic disorder(s), received 12 weeks of ICBT. Measures were administered weekly over the treatment period, with an additional follow-up measurement 3 months after completion of treatment. An assessment interview was performed 2 weeks after treatment. Large, significant decreases in HD symptoms and sexual compulsivity were found, as well as moderate improvements in psychiatric well-being and paraphilic symptoms. These effects remained stable 3 months after treatment. This study gives support for ICBT as an effective treatment option for HD. Future evaluations of the treatment program should include women and larger samples in randomized controlled procedures and investigate the long-term effects. The authors report no conflicts of interest.