Sexual dysfunction and associated factors in Thai patients with psychiatric disorders

Abstract

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.

Female sexual function index for screening of female sexual dysfunction using DSM-5-TR criteria in Thai women: A prospective cross-sectional diagnostic study

“…Based on the DSM-5-TR criteria, we observed a prevalence of 70.6% for GPPPD, followed by FOD at 67.1%, and FSAID at 59.7%. These findings diverged from those of a previous study from Thailand [ 29 ], which assessed the prevalence of sexual dysfunction according to DSM-5 and observed at least one sexual dysfunction disorder in 53.3% of the participants: FSAID in 38.0%, FOD in 34.8%, and GPPPD in 6.5%. This discrepancy may arise from the fact that our study focused on healthy individuals, whereas the previous study included participants with psychiatric disorders.…”

“…The prevalence reported in this study closely aligns with that previously reported for other Asian countries. Over the past 15 years, the prevalence of FSD in Thailand among specific groups such as postmenopausal women, those using various types of contraception, and patients with psychiatric disorders ranged from 53% to 96.5% [ 10 , 17 , 24 , 27 – 29 ]. These studies may have involved participants more likely to have FSD.…”

Exploring potential genes and mechanisms linking erectile dysfunction and depression

“…( 12 ) found that patients with depression had a lower level of testosterone compared with controls, and testosterone therapy showed a promising effect on depressive symptoms. Furthermore, a significant association between sexual dysfunction including ED and the dosage of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines was noted ( 13 ). Furthermore, men with ED treated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors or penile prostheses had lower depression rates than those who did not receive treatment ( 14 ).…”