Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

In brief

Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of quality of life; a satisfying sexual relationship is linked to better physical, psychological, and relationship health and well-being. In fact, people who maintain a satisfying, active sex life over time live longer than those who report lower sexual frequency and satisfaction. Yet problems with sexual function are extremely common, especially for women: chronic difficulties with sexual desire and/or arousal that are personally upsetting-Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD)-affects 7% to 23% of the general population. SIAD is linked to more healthcare costs, depressive symptoms and anxiety, and lower relationship satisfaction. Experts suggest that relationship factors play a critical role in SIAD and couple-based sex therapy is a common approach used by clinicians. However, there are no treatment options available for couples that have been tested in research to confirm that they work. The goal of this three-centre randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel 16-session cognitive-behavioural couple therapy (CBCT), offered online to increase accessibility, for an inclusive sample of women with SIAD compared to a waitlist control group. The investigators expect that, compared to a waitlist control group, CBCT will lead to greater improvements in SIAD symptoms (e.g., higher sexual desire/arousal, lower sexual distress) and better sexual, relational, and psychological adjustment for both partners at post-treatment and 6-months later. Given that less than a third of those affected by SIAD access treatment, this study addresses the urgent need for an accessible couple-based treatment for the most common sexual dysfunction. Results will be used by clinicians to provide couples with a scientifically based, accessible treatment option, that will improve their sexual, relationship, and psychological health.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06777277

Run by

Dalhousie University

People needed

170

Starts

2025-01-07

Expected to finish

2028-12-01

Last updated by the study team

2025-02-12

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• One member of the couple must identify as a cisgender woman, a trans woman, or a gender diverse person assigned female at birth;
• One member of the couple must meet diagnostic criteria for SIAD;
• Both partners must be fluent in English or French;
• Both partners must be in a committed, cohabiting relationship for at least one year (with a partner of any gender/sex).

You may not qualify if…

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding or one year postpartum;
• No prior sexual experience;
• Severe relational distress or conflict as determined by baseline measures and interview;
• Are currently undergoing treatment for SIAD, or are in couple or sex therapy.

Where it is running

• University of British Columbia — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (enrolling)
• Dalhousie University — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (enrolling)
• Université de Montréal — Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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