Sexual dysfunction in male schizophrenic patients.
BACKGROUND
Neuroleptic treatment in schizophrenic patients is associated with sexual dysfunction. However, it is not clear to what extent the psychiatric disorder and/or the pharmacologic treatment are responsible for the sexual impairment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sexual function of untreated and treated male schizophrenic patients in comparison with healthy subjects.


METHODS
Participants included 122 male subjects: 20 drug-free schizophrenic patients, 51 neuroleptic-treated (depot form) schizophrenic patients, and 51 normal controls. A detailed structured interview was used to quantitatively and qualitatively assess sexual function.


RESULTS
A high frequency of sexual dysfunction was reported by both schizophrenic groups of patients. Impairments in arousal items (erection) and orgasm during sex were reported mainly by the treated patients. Desire parameters were reduced in both schizophrenic groups, but reduction in the frequency of sexual thoughts was confined to the untreated one. The schizophrenic patients were more involved in masturbatory activity in comparison with the control subjects. Treated patients disclosed dissatisfaction with their sexual function.


CONCLUSIONS
Untreated schizophrenic patients exhibit decreased sexual desire. Neuroleptic treatment is associated with restoration of sexual desire yet it entails erectile, orgasmic, and sexual satisfaction problems. Clinicians' awareness and open discussion of sexual problems with patients may improve comprehension and compliance.
Aizenberg
D
D
Geha Psychiatric Hospital, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.
Zemishlany
Z
Z
Dorfman-Etrog
P
P
Weizman
A
A
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008418:Masturbation / Q000453:epidemiology; D009948:Orgasm / Q000187:drug effects; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations