An integrative medicine approach to the treatment of HSDD: introducing the HURT Model™

Female sexual interest and arousal disorder (FSIAD), formally known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), is the most common complaint reported by women experiencing sexual dysfunction. In spite of this, FSIAD/HSDD is still considered treatment refractory and sexual health is only addressed by 35% of medical providers in about 75% of the time.Intrusive automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) are the number one barrier to healthy female sexual desire (FSD), and relationship satisfaction is the number one barrier to decreased FSD. Women with persistent ANTs struggle to forgive, lack emotional intimacy in romantic relationships, and report relationship dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety. ANTs can hijack adaptive information processing through rumination on past hurts, which can result in FSIAD/HSDD. Given the complexity of FSD, an individualized, integrative, interpersonal neurobiological model is called for in the treatment of FSIAD/HSDD.Dyadic cohesion is an important predictor of FSD. The HURT (Healing Un-Resolved Trauma) study investigates the importance of emotional intimacy in partnered sex and how emotional hurt contributes to ANTs and FSAID/HSDD. Further, the HURT study investigates the role that releasing hurt, confronting the self (MIRROR exercise), and subsequent forgiveness may play in reversing FSIAD/HSDD and offers an accessible integrative treatment model for patients, medical providers, and therapists. The HURT model bridges the gap between medicine and psychotherapy, providing treatment for women who are suffering with decreased FSD and FSIAD/HSDD.