Treatment of Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder and its Impact on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Start Date
August 2024
End Date
August 2024
Location
ALT 208
Abstract
Sexual interest/arousal disorder (SIAD) is diagnosed when women experience long-lasting reduced/absent sexual interest or arousal with significant distress. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD – a disorder including distressing reactions to reminders of past trauma) is a common comorbidity of SIAD and may be maintained by similar processes such as avoidance of difficult emotions. While past research suggests treating PTSD can improve sexual experiences, little research has examined whether treating SIAD can improve PTSD symptoms. To test this possibility, we are conducting secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial of an online intervention for SIAD. 129 women were randomized to one of three conditions: cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, or waitlist. Symptoms of SIAD and PTSD were assessed with validated self-report measures at pre- and post-treatment. Approximately half of participants reported a history of sexual trauma. Our hypothesis is that PTSD symptoms will significantly improve following treatment for SIAD. Exploratory analyses will test whether some symptom clusters of PTSD (e.g., avoidance vs. hypervigilance) exhibit more improvement than others. Analyses will include repeated measures ANOVAs to test changes in PTSD symptoms over time. The student research assistant (working alongside another student and their supervisor) led the literature review, formulated hypotheses, and is completing a public pre-registration of hypotheses with the hope of submitting to academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
Treatment of Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder and its Impact on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
ALT 208
Sexual interest/arousal disorder (SIAD) is diagnosed when women experience long-lasting reduced/absent sexual interest or arousal with significant distress. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD – a disorder including distressing reactions to reminders of past trauma) is a common comorbidity of SIAD and may be maintained by similar processes such as avoidance of difficult emotions. While past research suggests treating PTSD can improve sexual experiences, little research has examined whether treating SIAD can improve PTSD symptoms. To test this possibility, we are conducting secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial of an online intervention for SIAD. 129 women were randomized to one of three conditions: cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, or waitlist. Symptoms of SIAD and PTSD were assessed with validated self-report measures at pre- and post-treatment. Approximately half of participants reported a history of sexual trauma. Our hypothesis is that PTSD symptoms will significantly improve following treatment for SIAD. Exploratory analyses will test whether some symptom clusters of PTSD (e.g., avoidance vs. hypervigilance) exhibit more improvement than others. Analyses will include repeated measures ANOVAs to test changes in PTSD symptoms over time. The student research assistant (working alongside another student and their supervisor) led the literature review, formulated hypotheses, and is completing a public pre-registration of hypotheses with the hope of submitting to academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
