The effectiveness of psychological interventions for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: systematic review and meta-analysis, including comparisons to sildenafil treatment, intracavernosal injection, and vacuum devices.
BACKGROUND
In contrast to the impressive advances in somatic research of erectile dysfunction (ED), scientific literature shows contradictory reports on the results of psychotherapy for the treatment of ED.


OBJECTIVE
Authors conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions for the treatment of ED compared to oral drugs, local injection, vacuum devices, or other psychological intervention.


METHODS
Distinct sources of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched: electronic databases (between 1966 and 2007), cross checking of references, and contact with scientific societies.


METHODS
For dichotomous outcomes the pooled relative risks were calculated and for continuous outcomes mean differences between interventions. Statistical heterogeneity was addressed.


RESULTS
Eleven RCTs involving 398 men met the inclusion criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
There is evidence that group therapy improves ED. Focused sex group therapy showed greater efficacy than control group. Men randomized to receive psychotherapy plus sildenafil showed significant improvement of ED and were less likely than those receiving only sildenafil to drop out. Regarding to the effectiveness of psychological interventions for the treatment of ED compared to local injection and vacuum devices no difference was found.
Melnik
Tamara
T
Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. tameln@terra.com.br
Soares
Bernardo G O
BG
Nasello
Antonia Gladys
AG
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010413:Penis / Q000187:drug effects*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011687:Purines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012731:Sex Counseling; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014618:Vacuum
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate