Sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
Sexual dysfunctions have been described as being common in schizophrenia patients. The pathophysiology behind their development remains unclear. They can be secondary to the disease itself or an adverse event of antipsychotic medication. Therapeutic interventions are also not well studied.


RESULTS
Earlier work has suggested that second-generation antipsychotics bear fewer risks for developing sexual dysfunction because of a lower propensity to elevate prolactin levels, although the latter does not apply to amisulpride and risperidone. Only a few controlled trials with larger patient samples have been performed in the past.


CONCLUSIONS
The review covers studies published from March 2005 to June 2006 focusing on sexual dysfunctions in schizophrenia patients, as well as their possible causes. Treatment options and the impact of sexual dysfunction on quality of life are also covered. The reviewed papers show no clear consistency regarding potential advantages of one drug over another. Many trials suffer from small sample sizes. The field badly needs more and larger studies on this topic.
Malik
Peter
P
Department of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria. peter.malik@i-med.ac.at
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009948:Orgasm / Q000187:drug effects; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents