Intelligent computer-based assessment and psychotherapy. An expert system for sexual dysfunction.

New and converging developments in the areas of artificial intelligence, intelligent tutoring systems, and cognitive therapy have made possible a new approach to computer-assisted assessment and psychotherapy. This new approach combines the capacity for intelligent therapeutic dialogue with the presentation of individualized therapeutic interventions. Previous attempts at computerized psychotherapy are reviewed to highlight a newly developed rule-based expert system, Sexpert, which assesses and treats sexual dysfunction. Preliminary observations concerning couples' reaction to and acceptance of Sexpert are presented.