The effect of a cognitive-behavioral group treatment program on hypoactive sexual desire in women

The present paper describes the first extensive controlled study designed to assess and treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSD) following an innovative, short-term, cognitive-behavioral group treatment program. HSD is well known to be among the most complex and difficult sexual disorders to treat. While the clinical literature reports positive treatment outcomes and descriptions of successful sex therapy techniques for sexual desire disorders, most of these are based primarily on single or multiple case studies following various therapeutic approaches. To date, there are no comprehensive controlled treatment outcome studies on the effect cognitive-behavioral treatment has on HSD. Results of this study are presented, as well as some descriptive information on women presenting with HSD. In general, results indicate that the treatment protocol is effective. It not only decreases the symptoms of this sexual disorder, but also improves overall cognitive, behavioral and marital functioning associated with HSD.