Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and other sexual disorders in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder compared to the general population

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that lead to dysfunctioning in daily life. One of the affected areas of life that has so far not been studied in ADHD is sexual functioning. The goal of this study was to assess prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and other sexual disorders among adults with ADHD. A total of n = 136 adult patients treated in a Dutch outpatient ADHD clinic filled out two questionnaires to screen for sexual dysfunctions and other sexual disorders. We compared the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and other sexual disorders in our ADHD patient population to results from two large surveys among the general Dutch population. We found that 39% of the male and 43% of the female ADHD patients had symptoms of a sexual dysfunction, and 17% of the male and 5% of the female ADHD patients had symptoms of any other sexual disorder. Only one male patient had received a diagnosis of a sexual disorder at this clinic prior to study participation. In conclusion, sexual dysfunctions and other sexual disorders are highly prevalent in adults with ADHD. Screening for sexual disorders should be therefore standard procedure during diagnostic assessment.

Sexual addiction, compulsivity, and impulsivity among a predominantly female sample of adults who use the internet for sex

“…Compulsive sexual behavior has also psychiatric comorbidities with social anxiety, dysthymia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( Bijlenga et al, 2018 ; Bőthe et al, 2019a,b ; Garcia & Thibaut, 2010 ; Mick & Hollander, 2006 ; Semaille, 2009 ) affect dysregulation ( Samenow, 2010 ) and post-traumatic stress disorder ( Carnes, 1991 ). Some studies find that sexual addiction is associated with or in response to dysphoric affects or stressful life events ( Raymond, Coleman, & Miner, 2003 ; Reid, 2007 ; Reid & Carpenter, 2009 ; Reid, Carpenter, Spackman, & Willes, 2008 ).…”

Sexuality in Adults With ADHD: Results of an Online Survey

“…Adult women with ADHD showed significantly lower scores in all Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) domains (desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, and lubrication). In adult males with ADHD, the mean scores of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were lower than those of healthy controls for the subscales orgasm, erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction, but not for desire ( 42 ). One pilot study suggested several explanations for sexual dysfunctions in adults with ADHD and offered tentative routes for practical treatment approaches ( 45 ).…”

“…Another study in an ADHD outpatient sample ( 42 ) found prevalence rates of sexual dysfunctions of 39% in male and 43% in female patients and of symptoms of any other sexual disorder in 17% of the male and in 5% of the female patients. As a comparison, in a representative study with a sample of almost 5,000 individuals of the German general population, 13.3% of the sexually active men and 17.5% of the sexually active women reported sexual dysfunctions causing marked distress ( 43 ).…”

“…As a comparison, in a representative study with a sample of almost 5,000 individuals of the German general population, 13.3% of the sexually active men and 17.5% of the sexually active women reported sexual dysfunctions causing marked distress ( 43 ). 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.…”

Alprazolam-induced dose-dependent anorgasmia: case analysis

“…15 First, each of the patient's psychiatric diagnoses were associated with sexual dysfunctionsmajor depressive disorder, obsessivecompulsive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. 1,[16][17][18][19][20] Of note, reported findings may have been influenced by concurrent treatment with pharmacotherapies and/or associated comorbidities. Second, both GERD and obesity are associated with increased sexual dysfunction.…”