Effect of short-term dynamic psychotherapy on sexual function and marital satisfaction in women with depression: Clinical trial study

Health Sci Rep. 2023 Jun 23;6(6):e1370. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.1370. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Background and aims: This study aimed to look at the influence of short-term dynamic psychotherapy on sexual function and marital satisfaction in women with depression.

Methods: Through a clinical trial study using a pretest-posttest design and a control group, this study enlisted the participation of 60 women diagnosed with depression. The patients were interviewed before being randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. Data were obtained through the Beck Depression Inventory, the Enrique Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Female Sexual Function Questionnaire. The experimental group received intense short-term dynamic psychotherapy intervention, while the control group was on a 2-month waiting list. The SPSS 24 program utilized an analysis of variance to analyze the data.

Results: The pre- and posttest study results revealed a significant difference in marital satisfaction, sexual function, and depression between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: During the posttest phase, a short-term intensive dynamic psychotherapy intervention helped the experimental group feel better about their marriage and improve their sexual function. It also helped them feel less depressed.

Keywords: depression; intensive short‐term psychotherapy; marital satisfaction; sexual function; women.