To Compare the Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunctions Among Mood and Psychotic Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUNDSexual dysfunction is the common symptoms in psychiatric illness like mood and psychotic disorders, which may be related to the psychopathology which can complicate the treatment if ignored by the clinicians. Most of the earlier studies were done based on the effects of psychotropic medications on sexual functions. However, it is not clear to what extent the psychiatric disorders itself are responsible for the sexual impairment.Aim is to compare the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among the patients presenting with psychotic and mood disorders before starting psychotropic medications. MATERIALS AND METHODSOut of total 60 numbers of patients, each of the 30 members belonged to mood and psychotic disorders groups, aged between 18 to 45 years of either sex were included. Sexual dysfunctions are assessed by using SHF (Sexual History Form). Chi-square test has been used to compare the prevalence in both groups and p-value of < 0.05 is considered significant statistically. RESULTSThe overall prevalence of sexual dysfunctions were found to be more in mood disorder (63.3%) group than psychotic disorder group (50%), but does not find any significance statistically. Severity of illness associated with sexual dysfunction is found to be more in mood disorder groups than psychotic disorder group with statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONSexual dysfunctions are found to be common in both psychotic and mood disorders, suggesting it is intrinsic to the development of illness before starting psychotropic medications. Sexual dysfunctions which affects in more than one domain of sexual functions are usually associated with the psychotic symptoms in both groups. This suggests that they are mediated by the same underlying neurobiological factors. KEYWORDS BACKGROUNDSexual dysfunction is one of the most important psychological disorders in psychiatric clinic and in general population. Despite increasing demand for clinical services and potential impact of these disorders on interpersonal relationship and quality of life, epidemiological data are relatively scant. 1,2 If the physician fails to recognise of having SD that are usually associated with psychiatric disorders or vice-versa, it complicates the treatment and worsens the prognosis of one another. Based on the few available community studies it appears that SD are highly prevalent in both sexes, ranging from 10%-52% in men and 25%-63% in women. 3,4,5 Adequate sexual expression is one of the most important components in maintaining a satisfying intimate relationship, which also provides a sense of physical, psychological and