A study on sexual functioning in adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Jabalkandi, Samaneh Amani; Raisi, Firoozeh; Shahrivar, Zahra; Mohammadi, Abolfazl; Meysamie, Alipasha; Firoozikhojastefar, Reihaneh; Irani, Fatemeh

doi:10.1111/ppc.12480

Cited by 9 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Although previous studies suggested that women as well as men with ADHD report more frequently about sexual dysfunctions compared to non-affected individuals from the general population ( 42 , 44 ), no significant differences were found in the present study. In women with ADHD, low orgasm satisfaction was related to higher scores in temper and affective lability, again suggesting that especially problems with emotion regulation could lead to more sexual problems.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…In spite of the high prevalence of sexual disorders, only one male ADHD patient in the sample had received a diagnosis of a sexual disorder prior to study participation ( 42 ), suggesting that sexual problems are frequently neglected in ADHD patients. In a recent study ( 44 ), sexual functioning was compared between adults with ADHD and healthy controls. Adult women with ADHD showed significantly lower scores in all Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) domains (desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, and lubrication).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sexuality in Adults With ADHD: Results of an Online Survey

Hertz

Turner

Barra³

et al. 2022

Front. Psychiatry

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Establishing a secure sexual identity is a major developmental goal of an individual's transition from childhood to adolescence and the years that follow. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but also with emotional dysregulation, oppositional behaviors, or disorganization appearing early in life, can affect several areas of an individual's personal and social development, including sexual health. Yet, the scientific knowledge about the relationship between ADHD and sexual functioning is still scarce. Using an anonymous online survey, we compared different sexual behaviors including risky sexual behaviors, hypersexual behaviors, and sexual dysfunctions between 206 individuals with (n = 139) and without (n = 76) ADHD. Individuals with ADHD reported significantly more hypersexual behaviors than non-ADHD individuals, whereas no differences were found concerning risky sexual behaviors or sexual dysfunctions. In women with ADHD, hypersexual behaviors, sexual risk-taking as well as sexual dysfunctions were closely related to symptoms of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and oppositional symptoms. In men with ADHD, the associations between ADHD symptomatology and the sexuality-related measures were less clear, however, signs of emotional dysregulation seemed to be relevant as well. Since individuals with ADHD seem to be at an increased risk of some peculiarities in sexual behavior, sexuality-related issues should be routinely addressed during clinical consultations to provide more holistic treatment in order to enhance individual well-being and quality of life.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexuality in Adults With ADHD: Results of an Online Survey

Hertz

Turner

Barra³

et al. 2022

Front. Psychiatry

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“…20 In addition, sexual dysfunctions, including PE, are more prevalent in patients with ADHD, and it has even been suggested that ADHD should be considered as a risk factor for sexual dysfunctions. 18 , 35 According to the data of the current study and previous results, the possible explanation of the comparatively higher prevalence of adult ADHD in the lifelong PE group may be the presence of a central neurotransmitter pathway that is common to both ADHD and lifelong PE. 20 , 34 Although it is thought that there are abnormalities in the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in both disorders, the results are not still clear.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 62%

Lifelong Premature Ejaculation and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Controlled Study

Ayan

Ayhan

2022

ALPHA PSYCHIATRY

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Background In males, one of the most common sexual dysfunction is lifelong premature ejaculation. Sexual dysfunctions, including premature ejaculation, are highly prevalent in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation. Methods In this study, 48 patients diagnosed with lifelong premature ejaculation and 40 controls were included. All patients and controls were asked to fill out Wender–Utah Rating Scale-25 and Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale. Patients also filled out the Arabic Index of Premature Ejaculation and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool. Results Totally 20 patients (41.66%) with lifelong premature ejaculation and 2 (5%) controls were diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The mean scores of the Wender–Utah Rating Scale-25, Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale, and Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale-hyperactivity–impulsivity subscale were higher in the case group ( P = .001, P = .001, and P < .001, respectively). No difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of the Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale-Inattention subtype ( P = .492). In the lifelong premature ejaculation group, 13 patients (65%) diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder were found to be attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder-predominantly hyperactivity/impulsivity subtype. Conclusions The findings of the current study reveal that patients with lifelong premature ejaculation should be assessed carefully in terms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, especially hyperactive and impulsive characteristics, and the relationship between lifelong premature ejaculation and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder should be examined by further studies with large samples.

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“…The most reported sexual complaints related to overall satisfaction and erectile dysfunction. 43 This study however was limited by the small sample size, and that ADHD participants were recruited from a clinical population without comorbidity, hindering interpretation and generalisability of results. In another small study, Abdel-Hamid et al found that comorbidity (eg anxiety/depression) may mediate differences in sexual dysfunction between ADHD and neurotypical peers.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… Comorbid anxiety/depression may mediate differences in sexual function. References: 34 , 35 , 42 , 43 Sexual Disorders No studies met inclusion criteria. Compared with neurotypical peers, there may be greater hypersexual behaviors at sub-clinical level but not at a level of clinical concern.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Neurodiversity and Psychosexual Functioning in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Young¹,

Cocallis²

2023

NDT

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The scientific literature on psychosexual functioning shows a range of outcomes for individuals with neurodiversity. The aim of this article was to synthesize and critically evaluate evidence regarding psychosexual selfhood (orientation), behaviors and experiences in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to prioritize further research and identify interventions to reduce risk. A systematic review of the literature that compared sexual orientation, behavior and experiences of individuals with ASD or ADHD with those of neurotypical peers was performed in AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES and PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, Child Development and Adolescent Studies databases (supplemented by hand-searching of reference lists). Seventeen ASD and nineteen ADHD studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, the studies reviewed suggest poorer psychosexual functioning for individuals with ASD or ADHD compared to neurotypical peers, including a lack of satisfaction in their sexual relationships, sexual dysfunction, risky sexual behaviors, and victimization. This appears to be more marked for females. Individuals with ASD were more likely to identify with a non-heterosexual orientation compared with neurotypical peers. The study identifies gaps in our knowledge relating to risky sexual behaviors (in particular, those relating to sexual health and vulnerability to sexual victimization and perpetration). The public health implications of the findings are discussed. Future research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders may be at increased risk of adverse psychosexual outcomes and identify interventions that may mediate outcomes.

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A study on sexual functioning in adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Cited by 9 publications

References 44 publications

Sexuality in Adults With ADHD: Results of an Online Survey

Sexuality in Adults With ADHD: Results of an Online Survey

Lifelong Premature Ejaculation and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Controlled Study

A Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Neurodiversity and Psychosexual Functioning in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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