The efficacy of PLISSIT as adjuvant therapy with bupropion on sexual dysfunction and marital satisfaction among men patients on methadone maintenance therapy

Abstract

Background: Sexual and marital dissatisfaction seems to be one the most common complications among patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT), which may decrease adherence to continue treatment in patients. Efficacy of adding bupropion to MMT protocols has been investigated in previous studies; but evidence for implication of permission, limited information, specific suggestions, intensive therapy (PLISSIT) method for these patients is limited. So, this study was designed to investigate the efficacy of adding PLISSIT as an adjuvant therapy to MMT protocol on sexual dysfunction and marital satisfaction among men patients. Methods: During a clinical trial study conducted in the addiction quitting clinics of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, 50 men patients with sexual dysfunction receiving MMT were randomized into two equal treatment group of 6-week PLISSIT program and control. Both groups received slow-release bupropion with a usual dosage (150 to 300 mg/day) for improving sexual function. Sexual function and marital satisfaction for both groups were assessed accordingly using Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX), and revised dyadic adjustment scale (RDAS). Findings: During the intervention, the mean changes in the overall scores of sexual dysfunction and marital satisfaction were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusion: Adding PLISSIT to bupropion could improve sexual function and marital satisfaction among men under MMT. Further studies can support these findings for implication of PLISSIT by counselors in addiction treatment clinics. © 2018, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.