The Effectiveness of Psycho-Educational Group Work in Treating Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD): Clinical Outcomes Using CORE OM and Supplement at Three-Month and Six-Month Follow up

Abstract

This paper evaluates the efficacy of treatment of 119 clients who sought help for CSBD (Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder). Using CORE OM and a tailor made supplement for CSBD, clients were evaluated at the beginning of a psycho-educational groupwork program and then again at three-month follow-up. 36 clients were evaluated a second time six-months later. The study identified, through CORE OM, that 85% of the sample were experiencing ‘clinical distress’ and 67% were at risk on intake. At three-month follow-up, there was ‘significant’ or ‘reliable’ improvement for 58% on clinical distress and 30% on risk. Compulsive sexual behaviors reduced for 97% of the sample group and 87% experienced a reduction in intrusive thoughts and feelings. However, for approximately 30% of clients, this reduction in problem symptoms was accompanied by negligible change in clinical distress and a worsening for some. A discussion is provided on why this may be and the implications of this research for treatment providers.