Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Low Libido

(CBCT for SIAD Trial)

Recruiting at 3 trial locations

Overseen By Gillian K Hyslop, B.Sc.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Dalhousie University

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, No sexual experience, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 16 weeks

170 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new online couple's therapy, specifically Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy, to assist women experiencing low sexual desire and arousal, known as Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD). The goal is to determine if this therapy can improve sexual desire and reduce distress compared to a waitlist group. The trial seeks participants where one partner identifies as a woman or is gender-diverse and experiences SIAD, while both partners must be in a committed relationship for over a year and speak English or French. This study aims to provide an accessible, scientifically supported option for couples to enhance their sexual and relational well-being. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to pioneering research that could lead to more accessible therapy options for couples.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently undergoing treatment for SIAD or in couple or sex therapy, you would not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this therapy is safe?

Research has shown that Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy (CBCT) is generally well-received. Couples who participated in similar therapies experienced moderate improvements in sexual distress immediately after treatment, with some benefits lasting for six months. One study found that cognitive-behavioral group therapy effectively helped women with low sexual desire.

No major safety issues have emerged with these therapies, indicating they are generally safe for participants. This type of therapy helps change thought patterns and behaviors in a supportive setting and usually avoids the risks associated with medication or surgery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy (CBCT) for low libido because it offers a fresh approach by focusing on couples rather than individuals. Unlike standard treatments that often involve hormonal therapy or medications targeting individual symptoms, CBCT emphasizes the relationship dynamics and communication between partners. This therapy aims to address underlying psychological and relational factors, potentially leading to more sustainable improvements in sexual interest and satisfaction. By enhancing mutual understanding and support, CBCT could provide benefits that traditional pharmacological treatments might not achieve on their own.

What evidence suggests that Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy is effective for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder?

This trial will compare cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) with a waitlist control group. Studies have shown that CBCT can address issues related to sexual interest and arousal. Research indicates that CBCT leads to moderate improvements in sexual distress after treatment, with smaller but still positive changes six months later. Additionally, cognitive-behavioral therapy in general has increased sexual self-confidence and improved various aspects of sexual function, such as desire and arousal. This therapy focuses on relationship factors, which experts consider important in sexual interest/arousal disorder (SIAD). Overall, CBCT shows promise as an effective treatment for enhancing sexual well-being and relationship satisfaction. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for couples where the woman experiences low libido, known as Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD). It's designed to help improve their sexual relationship and overall well-being. To participate, women must have SIAD that affects them personally.

Inclusion Criteria

One member of the couple must meet diagnostic criteria for SIAD

I or my partner identify as a cisgender woman, trans woman, or were assigned female at birth.

I have been living with my partner for at least one year.

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently in treatment for SIAD or attending couple/sex therapy.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or one year postpartum

No prior sexual experience

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 16 sessions of cognitive-behavioural couple therapy (CBCT) delivered online

16 weeks

Sessions conducted online

Post-treatment

Assessment of primary and secondary outcomes immediately after treatment completion

2 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for improvements in SIAD symptoms and overall well-being

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy

Trial Overview The study tests a new online cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) over 16 sessions against a waitlist control group. The goal is to see if CBCT can boost sexual desire/arousal and reduce distress, improving sexual, relational, and psychological health.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: CBCT for SIAD Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

16 sessions of cognitive-behavioural couple therapy.

Group II: Waitlist Active Control 1 Intervention

Description: The investigators selected a waitlist control comparison as the first step to establishing efficacy of the CBCT because there are no existing empirically validated couple-based treatments available for SIAD.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Dalhousie University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

177

Recruited

402,000+

Université de Montréal

Collaborator

Trials

223

Recruited

104,000+

University of British Columbia

Collaborator

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The study of 20 couples and 10 males without partners suggests that individuals with inhibited sexual desire have a better prognosis when their condition is not complicated by other sexual dysfunctions.

Therapeutic approaches should prioritize improving the quality and satisfaction of the overall sexual relationship rather than focusing solely on increasing intercourse frequency, as breaking the cycle of negative anticipation and avoidance is crucial for treatment success.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Strategies and techniques for the treatment of inhibited sexual desire. McCarthy, BW.[2019]

In a study of 60 couples undergoing sex therapy for low sexual desire, 63.3% completed treatment, and 56.7% reported positive outcomes, highlighting the potential effectiveness of therapy in this area.

The male partner's motivation was a key factor in treatment completion, while younger couples and those with shorter sexual problems tended to have poorer outcomes, indicating the need for tailored approaches in therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Low sexual desire: sex therapy results and prognostic factors. Hawton, K., Catalan, J., Fagg, J.[2019]

Cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) is effective in reducing relationship distress, with strong empirical support from multiple meta-analyses across trials in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.

When adapted for individual psychological issues, couple-based interventions using CBCT principles are at least as effective as individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and often yield better outcomes, particularly when both partners are involved in the treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapies: Review of the Evidence for the Treatment of Relationship Distress, Psychopathology, and Chronic Health Conditions. Fischer, MS., Baucom, DH., Cohen, MJ.[2018]

A practical counseling approach was used to treat couples experiencing a lack of female sexual response, focusing on understanding relationship dynamics.

The quality of the general relationship and sexual attitudes were found to be predictive of treatment outcomes, while factors like age and chronicity did not influence results.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors related to successful outcome in the treatment of sexually unresponsive women. Whitehead, A., Mathews, A.[2019]

Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Traditional Behavioral Couple Therapy showed initial improvements in sexual dissatisfaction and frequency among 134 distressed couples, but these benefits diminished over a five-year follow-up period.

The effectiveness of couple therapy varied based on treatment type, gender, and whether sexual distress was a primary concern, suggesting that incorporating more sex-focused techniques could enhance long-term outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Trajectories of Sexual Satisfaction and Frequency During and After Couple Therapy for Relationship Distress. Rothman, K., Cicila, LN., McGinn, M., et al.[2021]

A new 15-session couples group therapy program was developed to address both marital and sexual dysfunctions simultaneously, highlighting the importance of treating these issues together.

The therapy utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach, which is structured to effectively tackle major themes related to marital and sexual challenges, demonstrating a comprehensive method for improving couples' relationships.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A group therapy format for the simultaneous treatment of marital and sexual dysfunctions: a case illustration. Metz, ME., Weiss, KE.[2018]

Couple therapy has been shown to significantly reduce relationship distress for many couples, with various therapeutic approaches yielding positive outcomes.

Despite the overall effectiveness, a notable number of couples do not experience significant improvements or may even worsen after therapy, highlighting the need for further research on factors influencing treatment success.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current status and future directions in couple therapy. Snyder, DK., Castellani, AM., Whisman, MA.[2011]

A study analyzing archival data from the Sex Therapy Center at Stony Brook found that behavioral sex therapy effectively improved sexual dysfunctions related to desire, with significant positive changes in marital adjustment and sexual satisfaction after treatment.

The therapy was equally effective for both male and female sexual issues, including low sexual desire and sexual aversion, indicating its broad applicability, although post-treatment results suggested only a minimally adequate sexual relationship rather than optimal intimacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treatment effectiveness for dysfunctions of sexual desire. Schover, LR., LoPiccolo, J.[2019]

In a study involving 63 couples receiving cognitive behavioral couple-based treatment for depression (BCT-D), the recovery rate was 57%, which is higher than the 41% recovery rate for all treatments in the IAPT program in London.

BCT-D was effective for both partners in a couple, regardless of whether the nonclient partner had depression or relationship distress, indicating its potential to benefit both individuals simultaneously in a clinical setting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Couple-based Intervention for Depression: An Effectiveness Study in the National Health Service in England. Baucom, DH., Fischer, MS., Worrell, M., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2024.2333477

Feasibility of a Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy ... Partners reported moderate and small improvements in sexual distress for post-treatment and 6-month follow-up, respectively. Results support the ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9287770/

The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural consultation on ... This study found that CBT can improve sexual self-efficacy and sexual function in all aspects of it (Desire, Arousal, Lubrication, Orgasm, Dyspareunia, and ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005796725000543

A randomized controlled trial of online mindfulness and ... eSense resulted in significant improvement in key symptoms of sexual dysfunction over and above a waitlist, and these improvements were maintained for 6 months.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-sexual-interestarousal-disorder-2025-42152

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Low Libido A study analyzing archival data from the Sex Therapy Center at Stony Brook found that behavioral sex therapy effectively improved sexual dysfunctions related to ...

5. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT06777277/cognitive-behavioural-couple-therapy-for-sexual-interest-arousal-disorder

Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy for Sexual Interest ... Experts suggest that relationship factors play a critical role in SIAD and couple-based sex therapy is a common approach used by clinicians.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9334335/

Cognitive-behavioral group therapy for women with ... Group CBT was shown to be an effective tool for treating Hypoactive Sexual desire disorder in women.

7. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/jsm/article/21/Supplement_5/qdae054.018/7694097

(018) PILOT TESTING A NEW COUPLE-BASED SEX ... Meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials show that psychological therapies produce moderate to large improvements in clinically low sexual ...