Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy on catastrophic thoughts on women with primary vaginismus: A single-case trial

Abstract

Introduction: Vaginismus is considered as one of the most common GenitoPelvic Pain/Penetration Disorders. The complication of vaginismus is extensive. Therefore, this study was performed with aim to investigate the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on catastrophic thoughts on women with vaginismus. Methods: In this single-case experimental trial of multiple-baseline type, four women with vaginismus who had referred to Ahvaz psychosexual clinics in 2015 were recruited. Catastrophic thoughts were assessed in participants by multidimensional vaginal penetration disorder questionnaire at baseline and after the intervention. After determining the base lines in dependent variable, the subjects were respectively entered in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and they were individually treated by 8 sessions per week. In this study, clinical significant is used. To analyzed data and evaluated the effectiveness this methods, used visuals or graphical chart analysis, diagnosis improve and six indicators Ingram. Results: After the treatment, all participants reported successful intercourse without pain and fear. The findings also showed that catastrophic cognitions significantly improved by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in women with vaginismus (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be considered as an effective treatment for vaginismus. Therefore, it is recommended to consider this therapy in the interventions for these patients; future studies with larger sample sizes and control groups is also suggested. © 2017, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.