Sexual Dysfunction Among Patients With Schizophrenia in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Sexual functioning has received little attention as an important aspect of patient care for those suffering from schizophrenia. In Nigeria, cultural and religious factors often prevent patients from talking with their clinician about their sexual life. The aim of our study was to assess the frequency and nature of sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia and assess the determinants of sexual dysfunction in such patients. Sexual dysfunction was assessed with the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale in 90 patients with schizophrenia. Demographic and clinical characteristics including quality of life, the severity of schizophrenia, and perceived stigma were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 36.7%. Higher scores on the negative subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the general subscale of the PANSS, the total scores on the PANSS, and a family history of mental illness were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction. The only significant predictor of sexual dysfunction was the severity of the negative subscale of the PANSS. This study highlights the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among patients with schizophrenia. Efforts should be made to identify and address this problem.

Evaluation of sexual dysfunction and quality of life in patients with severe mental illness: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center in Chhattisgarh

“…The total score of ASEX for male patients in their cohort and the rates of SD are comparable with the index study. The rates are also comparable with some recent studies[2123] but less when compared to few others. [242526] In a Scottish survey of SD in patients with schizophrenia and community controls, significant differences in reporting of sexual desire, achieving and maintaining an adequate penile erection, early ejaculation, and less satisfaction with orgasm were reported in the former group.…”

“…[242526] In a Scottish survey of SD in patients with schizophrenia and community controls, significant differences in reporting of sexual desire, achieving and maintaining an adequate penile erection, early ejaculation, and less satisfaction with orgasm were reported in the former group. [27] In a recent study from Nigeria,[23] the most common problems reported by persons suffering from schizophrenia were inability to achieve orgasm followed by satisfaction with orgasm. However, in the index study, lack of sexual drive and arousal were the most common problems observed in persons with schizophrenia and were significantly more than the control group.…”

Descriptive study of cases of schizophrenia in the Malian population

“…The 25 to 34 age group was the most represented in our study. These results were comparable to those reported by Esan et al who found that the majority of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in the Southwest Nigerian population were 25–34 years old [ 11 ]. Weiser and al .…”

“…In Table 3 , analysis of data on environmental factors showed that most schizophrenic patients were born during the cold season (48.8%) followed by the hot season (21.3%), the rainy season (18.9%), and the unspecified season [ 11 ]. History of cannabis use was absent in 68.7% of participants versus 32.3% for those who used cannabis, p < 0.0001(Table 3 ).…”

Sexual Habits and Sexual Dysfunctions in a Sample of Patients with Psychotic Disorders Compared to a Group of Healthy Adults

“…These findings are in line with previous studies: MacDonald et al [30] compared male patients with schizophrenia and community controls observing that patients had higher problems in reporting about sexual desire, in achieving and maintaining an adequate penile erection, displaying early ejaculation and lower rates of satisfaction with orgasm. Esan & Esan [31] reported that person suffering from schizophrenia were unable to achieve orgasm followed by an adequate level of satisfaction. Ghormode et al [32] described the lack of sexual drive and arousal as the most common sexual problem observed in persons with schizophrenia, at a significantly worse degree than the control group.…”