P01-394 - Sexuality Disorders in Patients Admitted to Intensive Group Psychotherapy

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this presentation is to introduce a new instrument, used for assessment of symptoms connected with characteristics of sexual life in population of patients with neurosis and related personality disorders.

Methods

During the first week of psychotherapy the patients fill a questionnaire, containing statements which cover different areas of sexual life such as: overall satisfaction, present sexual relationships, present sexual activity, dysfunctions of sexual intercourse, experience of sexual trauma, feelings towards one's own body and attractiveness. Data from the pilot study were analyzed in search for preliminary, statistically significant differences between groups of symptoms.

Results

The pilot study on 80 patients (43 females, 37 males) confirmed, that different symptoms connected with sexuality are important component in distress of patients beginning intensive group psychotherapy. In overall, 58% of patients perceived their sexual life as unsatisfactory. Nearly 50% do not experience pleasure connected with sexual activity. Over 85% regard sexuality as important matter. Significant difference was found, as up to 85% patients expect improvement of their sexual life, but only 35% are explicitly interested in including sexuality as one of the themes in psychotherapy.

Conclusions

Results of the pilot study confirm clinical importance of symptoms connected with sexuality in neurotic disorders. Further group psychotherapy effectiveness assessment will bring an opportunity to recognize the specific role of these symptoms in diagnosis and psychotherapy treatment.