The enhancing effects of manualized treatment for erectile dysfunction among men using sildenafil: A preliminary investigation

This study examined the effects of supplementing sildenafil (Viagra) with use of a cognitive-behavioral treatment manual plus minimal therapist contact. Participants were 6 heterosexual couples in which the man met criteria for erectile dysfunction and was using sildenafil. Erectile dysfunction resulted from psychological factors or psychological and organic factors combined. In a multiple baseline design, participants completed a period of 4, 6, or 8 weeks during which they used sildenafil alone and monitored several psychosocial and behavioral variables. The experimental treatment, which lasted 6 weeks, comprised the cognitive-behavioral treatment manual and brief weekly phone contact with a therapist. Results suggest that manualized treatment was associated with increases in sexual satisfaction among men, some improvement in sexual satisfaction among partners, and an increase in the frequency of sexual intercourse. There was some evidence of improvement in sexual functioning among both men and women. Treatment gains were largely maintained at a 4-to-8-week follow-up and a 4-to-10-month follow-up. Results suggest that this cognitive-behavioral intervention may enhance the benefits of sildenafil. Additional research is needed to further test the potential benefits of this treatment approach.