Sexuality in Huntington's disease.
Sexuality and partnership have an important influence on the quality of life of patients with chronic disorders. There are just a few studies in literature about sexuality in Huntington's disease which conclude that up to 85% men and up to 75% of women experience high levels of sexual problems, most of them having prevalent symptoms of a hypoactive sexual disorder but also increased sexual interest and paraphilia were found. There is no evidence that sexual dysfunction is mainly a specific symptom of HD and may be associated with the specific brain lesion itself or if it is chiefly related to the psychosocial factors caused by the steadily worsening of the disease. Further studies should focus on asymptomatic patients to explore sexual changes preceding neurological and motor symptoms and should incorporate partners to objectify sexual distinctive features. Investigations on the context of sexual dysfunction with depression, irritability and dementia symptoms are needed to better understand reasons for sexual changes in HD. Treatment options for HD patients with sexual disorder are only reported sporadically, guidelines can only be obtained from non-HD patients and further research is needed.
Schmidt
Eva Z
EZ
Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Bonelli
Raphael M
RM
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D007989:Libido; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010262:Paraphilic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*