Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Depressive Disorder: A Prospective, Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Background: Depression causes emotional and physical disturbances which impacts biological functions such as sleep, appetite, libido, and disinterest in sexual function. Since discussing sexual problems is considered a taboo, there is limited data available concerning the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with depression and its response to treatment. Aim: To assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in females with depressive disorder and the effects of treatment. Material and Methods: A total of 53 females with recurrent depression and age and sex matched normal control group were included in the study with their informed consent. All the subjects were assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX), and female sexual functioning index (FSFI), which were re-administered after 6 weeks of treatment. Results: There was a significant difference in the HAM-D, ASEX, and FSFI scores between index and control groups at baseline. There was a significant correlation between the scores of HAM-D, ASEX, and FSFI before treatment. The correlation between the HAM-D and ASEX scores after treatment was not significant. A significant correlation was found between the HAM-D scores and the scores of arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, total domains of FSFI after treatment. No correlation was found between the HAM-D scores and desire domain score of FSFI after treatment. Conclusion: Women with depression have a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction. A highly significant improvement in depression and sexual functioning was observed at the end of 6 weeks of antidepressant therapy. Despite the improvement in sexual dysfunctions, the individual domains of sexual functions were not comparable to the normal subjects at the end of 6 weeks suggesting the need for longer treatment.

Multifaceted Sexual Dysfunction in Dialyzing Men and Women: Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

“…This instrument quantifies libido, arousal, vaginal lubrication/penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm in patients with psychiatric and/or physical health complaints [ 155 ]. The sensitivity and the specificity of the ASEX are 82 and 90%, respectively [ 156 ], and may also be valuable as a screening tool [ 157 ].…”

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

“…The present study reported a significant negative relationship between depression and sexual function, which is concurrence with the earlier Indian work conducted in Maharashtra, which conveyed a strong link between SD and depression. 28 Notably, studies from India reported SD in a significant proportion of the patients with depression receiving antidepressants. 24,25 However, the prevalence of FSD is higher in advanced age (>40 years) as compared to younger age cohort.…”

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Depressive Disorder at a Tertiary Hospital

“…Likewise, loss of libido itself can be the presenting complaint of depression and loss of libido may precede depression. 2 Study suggests existence of complex and bidirectional relationship between sexual dysfunction and depression. 4 Sexual dysfunction and depression are highly comorbid which is estimated to be around 70% to 80% in various studies.…”

“…The most frequently reported sexual dysfunctions in female are lack of sexual desire, decreased arousal, decreased lubrication, and delayed orgasm. [1][2][3] Depression leads to emotional and physical problems which impact biological functions such as sleep, appetite, and libido. Anhedonia in depression can also predictably affect libido.…”

“…Likewise, loss of libido itself can be the presenting complaint of depression and loss of libido may precede depression. 2…”