Efficacy of metacognitive therapy for hypoactive sexual desire disorder among Iranian couples.
The aim of present study was to compare the efficacy of metacognitive therapy (MCT) against Masters-Johnson sex therapy (MJST) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in Iranian couples.



A randomized treatment trial was conducted. Participants were recruited from the family counseling clinics in Tehran and Isfahan. All were suffering from HSDD as defined by DSM-IV-R criteria. They were assigned randomly to two groups that received 10 sessions of either MCT or MJST. A sexual desire questionnaire was completed by participants before and after therapy and at 6-month follow-up.



Sexual desire increased significantly in the MCT group with respect to the MJST group which failed to show any significant improvement from baseline. Both groups showed a reduction in scores at 6-month follow-up. The difference recorded between the two groups after therapy was no longer significant at 6-month follow-up.



MCT affected sexual desire more than MJST as evaluated after therapy but the gain was not maintained at follow-up. Future research needs to investigate whether a greater focus on metacognitive beliefs about sexual behavior can improve the stability of treatment effects.
a Family Research Institute , Shahid Beheshti University, GC , Tehran , Iran.
Mohammad Arash
MA
Ramezani
b Behavioral Sciences Research Center , Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.
Khodabakhsh
K
Ahmadi
c Department of Psychology , Tehran University , Tehran , Iran.
Mohammadali
M
Besharat
b Behavioral Sciences Research Center , Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.
Sima
S
Noohi
d Behsa Family Therapy Group , Tehran , Iran.
Afagh
A
Ghaemmaghami
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D007989:Libido; D008297:Male; D000067489:Metacognition; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012731:Sex Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*
metacognitive therapy; sex therapy; sexual desire; sexuality; treatment