Prevalence and Type of Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients Receiving Antidepressant Medications

Abstract

Aim: To assess the prevalence and typology of sexual dysfunction in female patients receiving antidepressant medications using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). Method: A cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 71 married women with various psychiatric disorders receiving antidepressants for at least 3 months’ were evaluated on ASEX, Brief Adherence Rating Scale, Medication Adherence Questionnaire, and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Subjects with a history of sexual dysfunction prior to psychotropic intake, menopause, severe interpersonal relationship problems with spouse, or chronic medical illness were excluded. Results: The study sample had the mean age of 37.35 (SD: 6.82) years. More than four-fifth (80.2%) of patients had sexual dysfunction as per the ASEX. Using a cutoff score of 4 or more to define sexual dysfunction in various domains, decreased desire was seen in 81.7%, reduced arousal was seen in 80.3%, poor vaginal lubrication was seen in 76.1%, reduced satisfaction was seen in 57.7%, and reduced ability to reach orgasm was seen in 50.7%. Despite this, few patients (13.3%) discussed their sexual dysfunction with their treating psychiatrist. Sexual dysfunction did not influence the medication adherence. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction is quite prevalent in female patients receiving antidepressant medications; however, this is not adequately discussed by the patient or the treating psychiatrist.

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Depression: Need for Psychosexual Health Promotion Approach

“…Further, it has been reported in previous research that only a handful of patients (13.3%) discussed their SD with their treating psychiatrists. 33 Similarly, in another last work, this proportion was low (14%), which rose to a staggering 58% when doctors actively asked for the information. 35 These findings necessitate an imperative need to evaluate all patients for SD diagnosed with depression on a routine basis.…”

“…26 Further, studies using ASEX reported the highest prevalence in the sexual aspect of desire or drive (47.9–81.7%), lubrication (35.2–76.05%), achieving satisfaction (18.3–60.56%), and problems in reaching orgasm during sex (18.3–50.7%). 33 Further, 60.56% to 90.1% of the participants reported dysfunction in one of the more sexual domains. 33 These findings are in line with the work of Singh et al 26 who said that women attending general medical clinics said reduced desire (78%), arousal (91%), problems in lubrication (97%), trouble achieving orgasm (87%), issues with pleasure (81%), and pain (64%).…”

“…33 Further, 60.56% to 90.1% of the participants reported dysfunction in one of the more sexual domains. 33 These findings are in line with the work of Singh et al 26 who said that women attending general medical clinics said reduced desire (78%), arousal (91%), problems in lubrication (97%), trouble achieving orgasm (87%), issues with pleasure (81%), and pain (64%). These findings are comparable to our work and existing literature.…”

“…The sample size was calculated considering the prevalence of SD in an earlier Indian study. 19 A sample size considering 42.5% expected prevalence and 10% margin of error was used to calculate the survey and was 94. Initially, 110 participants enrolled in the work and reported dropout (n = 14) at the end of the work.…”

“…Participants were asked to rate responses on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from "Not at all" (0) to "definitely" (6), with higher scores indicating more severe depression and vice-versa. Further, the total scale score was also categorized into normal (0-6), mild (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19), moderate (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34), and severe and very severe (>34) for SD. The scale has an excellent reliability index (r = 0.93) and an intraclass coefficient of 0.96, indicating an excellent test-retest reliability.…”