title: Sexual dysfunctions in schizophrenia: Professionals and patients perspectives.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sexual dysfunction (SD) is not commonly reported by persons with schizophrenia unless an enquiry is made by a doctor or staff during routine clinical visits.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine reporting of drug-induced sexual side-effects and the attitude of the treating team in clarifying or detecting this issue.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A vast majority of professionals (73.2%) did not enquire about SDs in routine clinical setting and admitted that they lack expertise based on the Attitude Survey Questionnaire. More than one-third of the patients (35.3%) attributed sexual side-effects to medications. Many patients (91.7%) reported good to fair tolerance to sexual side-effects according to the Psychotropic Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The treating team plays a crucial role. Sexual side-effects are often under-reported and need to be addressed by the treating physician.
authors: Department of Mental Health and Social Sciences, Schizophrenia Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Hema
authors: H
authors: Tharoor
authors: Department of Mental Health and Social Sciences, Schizophrenia Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Anandhalakshmi
authors: A
authors: Kaliappan
authors: Department of Mental Health and Social Sciences, Schizophrenia Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Subhashini
authors: S
authors: Gopal
keywords: Attitude; mental health professional; schizophrenia; sexual dysfunctions
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