Examining the Effectiveness of Psychoanalytic Therapy in Reducing Sexual Problems and Increasing Marital Satisfaction in Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is one of the most common sexual problems among women and can significantly affect quality of life, marital satisfaction, and mental health. The consequences of this disorder include reduced sexual satisfaction, anxiety, depression, and diminished self-esteem, which impact not only the individual but also their marital and family relationships. Considering cultural and social constraints in Iran, many women with this disorder do not seek timely treatment, highlighting the need to examine effective and sustainable interventions. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psychoanalytic therapy in reducing sexual problems and increasing marital satisfaction in women with HSDD. This quasi-experimental study employed an experimental and control group design with pre-test and post-test measurements. The statistical population consisted of married women diagnosed with HSDD according to DSM-۵ criteria and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Convenience sampling was used, and a total of ۴۰ participants were included. The psychoanalytic intervention consisted of weekly sessions focusing on unconscious conflicts, early experiences, and attachment patterns, delivered over ۱۲ sessions. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results indicated that psychoanalytic therapy significantly reduced sexual problems and increased marital satisfaction in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < ۰.۰۱). Component-wise analysis of sexual function showed that sexual desire, arousal, and sexual satisfaction experienced the greatest improvement. Based on these findings, psychoanalytic therapy is recommended as an effective, sustainable, and culturally sensitive intervention for women with HSDD. This study can serve as a clinical guide for counselors and psychotherapists in providing non-pharmacological, long-term treatment and lays the groundwork for future research in women’s sexual health.

Keywords:

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder , psychoanalytic therapy , sexual satisfaction , women , sexual function