The Efficacy of PLISSIT as Adjuvant Therapy with Bupropion on SexualDysfunction and Marital Satisfaction among Men Patients on MethadoneMaintenance Therapy

Sexual and marital dissatisfaction seems to be one the most common complications among
patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT), which may decrease adherence to continue treatment in
patients. Efficacy of adding bupropion to MMT protocols has been investigated in previous studies; but evidence
for implication of permission, limited information, specific suggestions, intensive therapy (PLISSIT) method for
these patients is limited. So, this study was designed to investigate the efficacy of adding PLISSIT as an adjuvant
therapy to MMT protocol on sexual dysfunction and marital satisfaction among men patients.
During a clinical trial study conducted in the addiction quitting clinics of Isfahan University of
Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, 50 men patients with sexual dysfunction receiving MMT were randomized into
two equal treatment group of 6-week PLISSIT program and control. Both groups received slow-release
bupropion with a usual dosage (150 to 300 mg/day) for improving sexual function. Sexual function and marital
satisfaction for both groups were assessed accordingly using Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX), and
revised dyadic adjustment scale (RDAS).
Findings: During the intervention, the mean changes in the overall scores of sexual dysfunction and marital
satisfaction were significantly different between the two groups (P Adding PLISSIT to bupropion could improve sexual function and marital satisfaction among men
under MMT. Further studies can support these findings for implication of PLISSIT by counselors in addiction
treatment clinics