Mindfulness-Based Intervention and Sexuality: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Mindfulness has generated considerable interest in the last two decades in clinical and research settings. The efficacy of mindfulness has been evaluated for the sexual dysfunctions recognized by the DSM-5 and other sexual problems, such as compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), also known as sex addiction or hypersexuality. Here, we review the evidence for various mindfulness-based treatments as mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral treatment or mindfulness-based relapse prevention for different problems related to sexuality to respond our question: "Are Mindfulness-Based Treatments (MBT) effective in reducing the symptomatology of sexuality-related disorders?".Methods: Through a systematic search conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, we found 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria: (I) articles using MBT for sexualityrelated problems, (II) clinical population, (III) no date range limits were applied, (IV) only empirical studies were included, (V) language and (VI) quality of studies.Results: Evidence shows that mindfulness practice could be effective for some sexual disorders, such as female sexual arousal/desire disorder. However, due to scarcity of studies on other sexual problems such as situational erectile dysfunction, genitopelvic Trends Psychiatry Psychother -Pre-Proof -http://doi.org/10.47626/2237-6089-2021-0459 pain/penetration disorder, childhood sexual abuse or compulsive sexual behavior disorder, the findings cannot be generalized. Conclusions:Mindfulness-based therapies provides evidence to reduce the symptomatology associated with various sexual problems. However more studies are needed for these sexual problems. By last, future directions and implications are discussed.