In order to evaluate the relationship of psychological distress to hyperprolactinemia, 20 patients with secondary amenorrhea were evaluated by a semi-structured research interview and administered the Kellner Symptom Questionnaire. Group A (10 patients with amenorrhea and hyperprolactinemia) reported significantly more symptoms of depression, hostility and anxiety than group B (10 patients with amenorrhea and normal basal levels of plasma prolactin). Both groups were significantly more anxious, depressed and reported more somatic symptoms than a normal control group (n = 10). 6 of the 10 patients in group A reported decrease in libido, while this was found only in 1 of the 10 patients of group B. The findings suggest that the syndrome of depression, hostility and anxiety in a woman complaining of amenorrhea, especially if associated with decreased libido and galactorrhea, can be a manifestation of hyperprolactinemia.
In order to investigate the possible relationship of hyperprolactinemia to psychological distress in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis, 19 uremic women were evaluated by a semistructured interview and administered the Kellner Symptom Questionnaire. Group A (10 uremic women with hyperprolactinemia) did not differ significantly in anxiety, depression, somatization and hostility from group B (9 normoprolactinemic uremic women). Both groups rated themselves more depressed and hostile than a normal control group of 10 women, and hyperprolactinemic patients were also significantly more anxious than the normal controls.
The investigation of a sample of 99 women on maintenance hemodialysis has shown the presence of sexual disturbances to a great extent: the rate of sexual intercourse and the ability to reach orgasm were significantly lower than in age-matched control women. 80% declared a reduction in their sexual desire and the frequency of intercourse was also lower as compared to the period prior to dialysis. Ageing decreased the sexual activity in both the ill and healthy population, but in uremic patients the sexual activity ended at an earlier age. The patients with hyperprolactinemia reported lower frequencies of intercourse and lower percentages of orgasm than normoprolactinemic ones. The incidence of sexual dysfunction and the role of hyperprolactinemia in this respect were similar to those which are found among male patients on hemodialysis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.