Skills Vs. Pills: Comparative Effectiveness for Low Sexual Desire in Women

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of a skill-based bibliotherapy intervention and a placebo pill intervention purported to be efficacious in increasing women's sexual desire. Forty-five participants were randomized into the two groups after completing pretest measures of sexual desire and functioning. After completing their interventions, participants completed 6-week posttest and 12-week follow-up measures. Results demonstrated that when compared to the placebo pill group, the bibliotherapy group made statistically greater gains from pretest to follow-up in sexual desire and satisfaction. Nevertheless, the placebo pill group evidenced short-term improvements in sexual desire over time. Findings have implications for future research and current treatments for low sexual desire in women.