engleski

Sexual Dysfunctions in Psychiatric Patients With Depression, PTSD, & Alcohol Dependence

Introduction. Sexual problems are present in roughly one third or women and one quarter of men, at least once in their life. But, people with mental disorders have even higher rates of these problems and disorders. As both of these disorders (mental disorders and sexual disorders) are highly stigmatizing, especially in a traditional society, such as Croatian, many people do not seek help for their problems. Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of sexual problems in patients with the most frequent mental disorders in Croatia and to see the influence of the disorder itself and psychotropic drugs on the sexual functioning. Method. Patients from three day hospitals in two different cities were selected as subjects (day hospital patients are all of the same level/intensity of different disorders /between out-patients and inpatients/ and day hospital setting gives ample opportunities to address and treat different sexual problems. 320 patients were questioned (27% women), mean age 47, 3. Several instruments were used: Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Demographic data, therapy used, medical history data were also collected. Results. In the sample, 45-64% of them had sexual problems, depending on the phase of a sexual cycle (the most problems were with sexual arousal and orgasm, ant he least with satisfaction with orgasms). Patients with depression had the most problems in all phases, and with alcohol dependence the least. But, less than 30% of them seek professional help. Antidepressants had negative effect on sexual desire and the satisfaction of orgasm, but did not have negative effects (surprisingly) on ejaculation. Anxiolytics had negative effect on sexual desire and easiness of arousal. Antipsychotics had negative effect on orgasm satisfaction, and hypnotics on erection/vaginal lubrication. Mood stabilizers had negative effect on sexual arousal. Conclusions. Psychiatric patients treated for depression and PTSD in a day hospital setting had more sexual problems then patients treated for alcohol dependence. All types of psychotropic medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, hypnotics and mood stabilizers) have deleterious effects on different aspects of sexual functioning.

sexual dysfunctions; depression; PTSD; alcohol dependence; sexual arousal; orgasm; antidepressants; anxiolytics; sexual desire; antipsychotics; hypnotics; erection; vaginal lubrication; mood stabilizer

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