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Sexual problems and post‐traumatic stress disorder following sexual trauma: A meta‐analytic review
Author(s) -
O'Driscoll Ciarán,
Flanagan Esther
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
psychology and psychotherapy: theory, research and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.102
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 2044-8341
pISSN - 1476-0835
DOI - 10.1111/papt.12077
Subject(s) - psycinfo , clinical psychology , dysfunctional family , meta analysis , sexual function , sexual abuse , child sexual abuse , traumatic stress , medicine , psychology , psychiatry , poison control , medline , injury prevention , environmental health , political science , law
Objective Difficulties with sex often develop following sexual trauma, yet are rarely targeted within treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ). Where outcomes of sexual function are included, they are secondary to other measures. This review aimed to assess whether psychological treatment for PTSD (from sexual trauma) has an effect on sexual functioning. Methods Systematic searches of MEDLINE , P syc INFO , EMBASE , and trial registers were performed. Five studies met inclusion criteria. Pre‐post treatment effect sizes were also calculated. Results Data from four good‐quality RCT s were included in the meta‐analyses. These examined females ( n = 799) who had experienced adult sexual trauma or child sexual abuse. Studies compared psychological treatment to control conditions, but no effect on outcomes of sexual concerns, standardized mean difference ( SMD ) = 0.03 and dysfunctional sexual behaviour, SMD = 0.02, was found. Pre‐post treatment effect sizes were small to medium ( SMD = 0.36 and 0.47, respectively). Conclusions While firm conclusions cannot be drawn, the available evidence suggests that psychological treatment for PTSD has no effect on sexual problems. Pre‐post effects indicate some improvement over the course of treatment, which may be strengthened if treatment actively targeted sexual problems. The paucity of evidence in this area suggests that there is substantial need for further research in order to establish a set of evidence‐based guidelines for practitioners implementing treatment in this area. Practitioner points The measurement of sexual problems is overlooked in psychological treatment RCT s for sexual trauma. Current treatments for post‐traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) from sexual trauma do not appear to be addressing sexual problems. Integrated treatments for comorbid sexual problems and PTSD treatment may be warranted. It is imperative that in future, RCT s that examine people with PTSD from sexual trauma use outcomes of sexual problems.