Psychotherapeutic approaches and methods and their effectiveness in treating orgasmic dysfunction in women

Abstract

Orgasmic dysfunction is a sexual disorder in which an orgasm does not occur or is delayed. The prevalence of orgasmic dysfunction ranges from 16% to 28% in Europe, America and mainland China, and from 30% to 46% in other Asian countries. The causes may be physiological, neurological and psychosocial. A literature review was conducted to examine which psychotherapeutic approaches and methods are used in the treatment of orgasmic dysfunction and to examine the results of their effectiveness. All resources linked in this paper have been taken from sources contained in the Scopus or EbscoHost research databases. Throughout this paper we have researched all relevant research papers, removed any duplicates and by applying all the necessary criteria, we have concluded with 15 research articles. The therapeutic approaches and methods with proven efficacy in the treatment of orgasmic dysfunction are: group sex therapy and couples sex therapy, behavioural approaches (Master and Johnson methods, systematic desensitisation), mindfulness-based programmes (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy - MBCT, Mindfulness-Based Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy), The Betty Dodson Method (a combination of short-term psychodynamic group therapy and self-stimulation methods) and self-help programmes based on video tracking, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and MBCT, and psychosexual therapy manuals. Some self-help programmes also include minimal contact with a therapist. There is an overlap between these approaches (e.g. sex therapy integrates behavioural methods). The results and the review serve as a basis for the application of effective interventions and opportunities for improvement in the treatment of orgasmic dysfunction.