What is the efficacy of cbt interventions on mental and sexual health of prostate cancer survivors? a systematic review

Abstract Objectives Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequently diagnosed oncological condition among biological men, impacting physical and psychological well-being, as well as sexual health and quality of life. Cognitive behavioral interventions (CBT) have shown to be an effective approach for a wide range of psychological and sexual difficulties and have more recently been tested as an intervention to improve sexual and mental health of PCa survivors. The present systematic review aimed to methodically research and summarize results regarding CBT’s effectiveness regarding mental and sexual health variables of prostate cancer survivors. Methods A systematic search was carried out using electronic databases until August 2022. By means of a combination of search words (such as prostate cancer, psychological interventions, mental health, cognitive behavioral intervention, CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy, sexuality, sexual dysfunction, sexual health, depression, anxiety, quality of life, and randomized control trial) and by selecting articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 randomized controlled trials were considered. Results Three studies showed evidence of intervention efficacy for the improvement of sexual health while other eight for mental health dimensions. More specifically, CBT interventions may be effective for PCa survivors to overcome cancer-related distress, and depressive symptoms while improving relaxation skills, emotional well-being, benefit finding, and their outlook on the future. Furthermore, such interventions may have the potential to improve sexual satisfaction, sexual function (such as erectile function), and sexuality-related self-esteem. Conclusions However, further research is needed to confirm these findings, and increase efficacy as well as assure generalizability. While there is evidence for the effectiveness of such interventions on mental and sexual health dimensions, further research with a larger and more diverse population is needed. The present research is supported by the project “SexHealth & ProstateCancer” (NORTE-010145-FEDER-000057) financed by the Horizon Europe Funding Program. Conflicts of Interest We have no conflict of interest do disclose.