Abstract
The purpose of this scoping review is to explore literature that discusses how sex and intimacy are affected in individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as interventions to address identified sex and intimacy changes.
Primary Author and Speaker: Stephanie Johnson
Additional Authors and Speakers: Brianna Brown, Amber Warren, Haleigh Timmons, Sara Kitchens, Cassady Williamson
Sexual activity provides physical and emotional benefits that can improve one’s quality of life (Skalacka & Gerymski, 2019) and is defined as both an occupation and ADL in the OTPF-4 (AOTA, 2020). Both can be addressed within the occupational therapy scope of practice, however, it is not commonly addressed due to factors such as discomfort or lack of preparation (Tipton-Burton et al., 2018). The purpose of this scoping review is to explore the literature for sex and intimacy changes within PALS, as well as interventions to address these changes. We utilized the Arksey and O’Malley guidelines (Arksey, H., & O’Malley, L., 2005) and searched four databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, and PsychInfo. Inclusion criteria was a focus on ALS, sex and/or intimacy, published within the last 10 years, and in English. The first stage of screening included reading the title and abstract, followed by the full-text screening for the second stage. All articles were examined and reviewed by at least two researchers during both the title/abstract and full text reviews. Twelve articles were included in the review. Results are ongoing, yet preliminary results include five themes emerging from the literature. Themes include: a decrease in sexual functioning; lack of information and addressing the topic with providers; lack of options/information for assistive devices; decrease in sexual interest/intimacy; and decrease in sexual satisfaction. Each of these articles explored the necessity of therapeutic intervention for addressing sex and intimacy issues in people with ALS, but none investigated the specifics of what these interventions should entail. Preliminary results suggest limited evidence addressing sex and intimacy in PALS. These results can inform OTPs and researchers on the importance and need to address sex and intimacy with PALS, and more specifically, a need for further literature on specific interventions for PALS regarding sex and intimacy changes.
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American Journal of Occupational Therapy. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process—Fourth edition, 74(2). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001
Skalacka, K., & Gerymski, R. (2019). Sexual activity and life satisfaction in older adults. Psychogeriatrics: Japanese Psychogeriatric Society, 19(3), 195–201. https://doi.org/10.1111/psyg.12381
Tipton-Burton, M., & Delmonico, R. (2018). Sexuality and physical dysfunction. In H. M. Pendleton & W. Schultz-Krohn (Eds.) Pedretti’s occupational therapy: Practice skills for physical dysfunction. (8th ed., pp. 289–304). Elsevier.