Feasibility of a cognitive behavioral online intervention for women with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

Abstract

Objectives Difficulties with sexual desire and arousal are common in women, but most lack access to effective treatment such as cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT). eSense is a recently created online CBT intervention for sexual difficulties with promising evidence of usability. The current study assessed the feasibility of women completing the full eSense CBT program without guidance. Methods Eleven women with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder completed eSense and provided feedback via semi‐structured interviews. Results Participants reported high satisfaction with eSense's functionality, improved knowledge about sexuality, greater awareness of their thought patterns, and better perspective around their sexual difficulties. Despite some difficulty completing homework, participants exhibited statistically significant pre‐post improvements in sexual desire (d = 1.04), sexual arousal (d = 1.83), sexual satisfaction (d = 1.35), and sexual distress (d = 1.79). Conclusion The findings add to the growing evidence that self‐guided online interventions are feasible and potentially efficacious in treating female sexual dysfunction.

Feasibility of an Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Women with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

“…Limited efficacy testing in this study revealed large effect sizes (i.e., Cohen’s d > 0.80) for every domain of sexual function (except pain) and sex-related distress. These effect sizes were similar to those found when a group of women with SIAD participated in a comparable online CBT program (Stephenson et al, 2021 ; Zippan et al, 2020 ). Effect sizes were also in line with in-person mindfulness-based therapies for sexual dysfunction (e.g., Brotto et al, 2021a ; Paterson et al, 2017 ).…”

“…(free response). These usability questions were previously used in similar feasibility studies of a cognitive-behavioral version of eSense (Stephenson et al, 2021 ; Zippan et al, 2020 ). Free response item responses are not included in this manuscript and were used by the development team to improve eSense for future testing.…”

“…This program, called eSense-CBT , includes engaging interactive elements plus weekly homework and has been found to be usable and enjoyed by participants (Zippan et al, 2020 ). The use of the program was also associated with significant improvements in sexual distress and sexual satisfaction, as well as several domains of sexual function including desire and arousal (Stephenson et al, 2021 ).…”

Initial Evidence of Feasibility of Treating Sexual Desire Discrepancy Using an Online Application

“…These programs have been shown to improve sexual difficulties and reduce associated distress (Jones & McCabe, 2011;McCabe & Jones, 2013) and increase arousal, desire, and sexual satisfaction (Zippan et al, 2020). eSense program's feasibility has also been evaluated empirically and has shown promise in delivering treatment for sexual interest and arousal disorders for women online (Brotto et al, 2022;Stephenson et al, 2021;Zippan et al, 2020). Thus, the evidence suggests that online interventions can be a fruitful way of improving access to treatments for sexual desire.…”

Efficacy of Online Psychoeducation and Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder: Single Case Design

“…7 Furthermore, participants in an eSense (online CBT) intervention for sexual challenges showed significant pre- and posttest improvement in sexual arousal, desire, satisfaction, and distress. 12…”