Avatar-based therapy for Female Orgasmic Disorder in Second Life. A case study

A novel, avatar-based treatment for Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) was developed to be administered in the virtual world Second Life. This Case Study explores the potential clinical utility of this treatment, administered to a 22-year-old woman diagnosed with lifelong, generalized FOD. From baseline to posttreatment, the patient reported decreases in sexual anxiety and sex-guilt levels, and increases in sexual behaviours, sexual satisfaction, sexual function, initiative and sexual communication, sexual knowledge, and self-esteem. As a result, the patient no longer fulfilled the criteria for FOD, and these changes were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. The modular treatment plan features elements of psychoeducation, exposition, behavioral skills training, and cognitive restructuration of dysfunctional thoughts. Compared to traditional therapies, the avatar-based treatment seems to offer several advantages, such as privacy, flexibility, and the possibility of self-exposure to sexual stimuli in a safe environment.