Rehabilitation of intimacy and sexual dysfunction in couples with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), with little published research on effective treatments. This pilot study tested the efficacy of a counseling intervention in nine couples utilizing a quasi-experimental research design. The intervention consisted of 12 counseling sessions, communication with the MS medical treatment team, education, and tailoring symptomatic treatments so they interfere less with sexual function. Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated significant improvements in affective and problem-solving communication, marital satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction during the treatment vs. the waiting list phase of the study (F=1.7, P5.001). MS patients and their spouses reported similar levels of improvement.

Keywords

multiple sclerosis sexual dysfunction marital satisfaction

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Foley FW , Werner M. (2000) Sexuality and Intimacy. In: RC Kalb , Ed. Multiple sclerosis: The questions you ask, theanswersyouneed,2nded. New York: Demos Vermonde Press .

Foley FW , Iverson J. (1992) Sexuality. In: RC Kalb and LC Scheinberg (Eds). Multiple sclerosis and the family. New York: Demos Publications .

Sanders A , Foley FW , LaRocca NG , Zemon V. (2000) The multiple sclerosis intimacy and sexuality questionnaire- 19 . Sexuality and Disability, 18: 1, 3-26 .

Ivers RR , Goldstein NP. (1963) Multiple sclerosis: a current appraisal of symptoms and signs . Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 38: 457-466 .

Lilius HG , Valtonen EJ , Wikstrom J. (1976) Sexual problems in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis . Journal of Chronic Disease, 29: 643-647 .

Minderhoud JM et al. (1984) Sexual disturbances arising from multiple sclerosis . Acta Neurological Scandanavica, 70: 4, 299-306 .

Valleroy ML and Kraft GH. (1984) Sexual disturbances arising from multiple sclerosis . Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 65: 3, 125-128 .

Zorzon M et al. (1999) Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: a case-control study. I. Frequency and comparison of groups . Multiple sclerosis: clinical and laboratory research, 5: 6, 428-431 .

Haber A and LaRocca NG (Eds). (1985) Minimal Record of Disability for Multiple Sclerosis. New York: National Multiple Sclerosis Society .

10.

First MB , Spitzer RL , Gibbon M , Williams JB. (1996) Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axix I Disorders (SCID-I)-Clinician Version. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Press .

11.

Locke HJ , Wallace KM. (1959) Short marital adjustment and prediction tests: Their reliability and validity . Marriage and Family Living 21: 251-255 .

12.

Touliatos J , Perlmutter BF , Straus MA. (Eds). (1990) Handbook of family measurement techniques. Newbury Park: Sage Publications .

13.

Snyder DK. (1979) Multidimensional assessment of marital satisfaction . Journal of Marriage and the Family, 41: 813-823 .

14.

Snyder DK , Wills RM , Kaiser TW. (1981) Empirical validation of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory: An actuarial approach . Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 49: 262-268 .

15.

Masters W , Johnson V , Kolodny J. (1986) Sex and human loving. Boston: Little Brown Publishers .

16.

Kaplan HS. (1987) The illustrated manual of sex therapy, 2nd Edition. New York: Brunner Mazel .

17.

Foley FW et al. (1987) The efficacy of Stress-Inoculation Training on coping with Multiple Sclerosis . Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55: 919-922 .

18.

Foley FW et al. (1994) Psychoremediation of communication skills for cognitively impaired persons with multiple sclerosis . Journal of Neurologic Rehabilitation, 7: 6, 165-176 .