BackgroundSexual dysfunction is common among patients with psychiatric disorders but might be under-reported due to Asian sociocultural factors. Recognition of sexual dysfunction and associated factors in this vulnerable population would help clinicians properly assess and manage related conditions.AimsWe aimed to examine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its associated factors among patients with psychiatric disorders in Thailand.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. We enrolled participants aged 18 and older who visited the psychiatry clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand between August 2020 and December 2021. Demographic and clinical data were assessed, and all psychiatric disorders and sexual dysfunctions were diagnosed by clinical interview using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Statistical analysis was done to explore the association between sexual dysfunction and related factors.ResultsSexual dysfunction was diagnosed in 101 (50.0%) of the total 202 participants. The mean (standard deviation, SD) age was 30.2 (9.0) years, and the majority of patients were men (54.5%), single (81.2%), employed (47.5%) and had a coexisting depressive disorder (48.0%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between sexual dysfunction and quality of life, unemployment, and the dosage of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.ConclusionsThe prevalence of sexual dysfunction among this population was relatively high. However, the findings may represent only a portion of affected psychiatric patients for others with sexual dysfunction symptoms but without functional impairment did not meet the diagnostic criteria for sexual dysfunction. Improvement of quality of life and optimising antidepressant/benzodiazepine dosage should be further investigated for promoting sexual function in patients with mental disorders.

Background: Sexual dysfunction is common among patients with mental disorders but receives less clinical attention, especially in Thailand and other Asian countries. The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale-the Thai Translation (ASEX-Thai), a self-rated, brief, questionnaire is a potential tool for screening for sexual dysfunction in this population. Our study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of ASEX-Thai in Thai patients with mental disorders. Methods: We enrolled 202 patients from an outpatient psychiatric department at a tertiary hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Demographic data, clinical data, and diagnosis of sexual dysfunction were assessed. ASEX-Thai was done, and we analyzed the test’s psychometric properties.  Results: Most participants were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (48%). There was a positive correlation between the ASEX-Thai and sexual dysfunction diagnosis (r = 0.402, p < 0.001). The KMO coefficient was 0.77 and Barlett’s sphericity test was significant (χ 2 = 409.76, p<0.001). A score of ≥ 17 points of the ASEX-Thai was the most suitable for sexual dysfunction screening (sensitivity 77.23 %, and specificity 58.42 %). For reliability, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.831) showed good internal consistency. Conclusions: The ASEX-Thai is a valid and reliable self-rated questionnaire for screening for sexual dysfunction among Thai patients with mental disorders. The test could help clinicians to evaluate this undetected condition and deliver proper interventions.

Background: Sexual dysfunction is common among patients with mental disorders but receives less clinical attention, especially in Thailand and other Asian countries. The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale-the Thai Translation (ASEX-Thai), a self-rated, brief, questionnaire is a potential tool for screening for sexual dysfunction in this population. Our study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of ASEX-Thai in Thai patients with mental disorders. Methods: We enrolled 202 patients from an outpatient psychiatric department at a tertiary hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Demographic data, clinical data, and diagnosis of sexual dysfunction were assessed. ASEX-Thai was done, and we analyzed the test’s psychometric properties.  Results: Most participants were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (48%). A score of ≥ 17 points of the ASEX-Thai was the most suitable for sexual dysfunction screening (sensitivity 77.23 %, and specificity 58.42 %). For reliability, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.831) showed good internal consistency. Conclusions: The ASEX-Thai is a valid and reliable self-rated questionnaire for screening for sexual dysfunction among Thai patients with mental disorders. The test could help clinicians to evaluate this undetected condition and deliver proper interventions.