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

Aim and 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 8th week follow-up session.
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.