Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for sexuality (MBCT-S) improves sexual functioning and intimacy among older women with epilepsy: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Women with epilepsy (WWE) frequently experience sexual problems, including sexual dysfunction and sexual distress. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the efficacy of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for sexuality (MBCT-S) on sexual function and intimacy among older adult WWE in Iran. Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted at 15 neurology clinics in three Iranian cities. WWE together with their partners and healthcare providers were randomly assigned in patient and partner (PP; n = 220), patient, partner, and healthcare provider (PPHP; n = 220), or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 220) group. WWE and their partners in both the PP and PPHP groups received eight weeks of MBCT-S sessions. In the PPHP group, three individual sessions on sexual counseling were added for healthcare providers. Self-assessment scales were used at baseline, one month and six months after completing the intervention. Mixed linear regression models were developed to determine differences among the three groups. Multilevel mediation analyses were conducted to understand the mediating effects of mindfulness, intimacy, patient-physicians relationship and sexual counseling barriers. Results: Improvements in sexual function, sexual distress, and intimacy were found in both the PP and PPHP groups at one-month and six-month follow-ups. The PPHP group compared with the PP group had greater improvement in intimacy at both follow-ups. Regarding sexual function, the PPHP group performed better than the PP group at the six-month follow-up. Conclusions: The MBCT-S appears efficacious in enhancing sexual function and reducing sex-related distress in Iranian older adult WWE. Future studies should examine its efficacy in other populations.

Effect of mindfulness on sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction among Iranian postmenopausal women: a quasi-experimental study

“…However, no significant changes were observed in the control group, a finding that indicated the positive effects of mindfulness counseling on self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction of postmenopausal women. The research results were consistent with the findings of other studies on the role of mindfulness in romantic relationships and sexual self-esteem, 25 , 50 , 51 sexual self-efficacy and marital satisfaction, 24 intimacy, and acceptance of couples 52 , 53 in different age groups. The authors could not find a study that found the effect of mindfulness on sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women.…”

Behavioral Therapies for Treating Female Sexual Dysfunctions: A State-of-the-Art Review

“…Although MBCT was initially designed to address other pathologies, some authors suggested that the integration of mindfulness training in female sexual dysfunctions could be effective for the improvement of well-being and sexual function [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Therefore, MBCT for sexuality (MBCT-S) has been tested, for example, in women with sexual interest/arousal disorder.…”

The Quality of Life in Patients with Epilepsy in the Context of Sleep Problems and Sexual Satisfaction

“…More attention has recently been given to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to improve the quality of sex life in patients with epilepsy via the reduction in the perception of stress [41]. Sleep disorders may be improved with the use of sleep monitoring and education in terms of sleep hygiene [42].…”