Sexual behavior in women with bipolar disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Women with bipolar disorder warrant special consideration with regard to sexual health. The impairment in sexual function would be frequent but underestimated and contributes to non-compliance with treatments.

Aims

(1) Evaluate sexuality among a population of women affected by bipolar disorder.

(2) Determine the factors associated with impaired sexual function.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study during the period ranging from 1st September to 15 October 2015.

It was conducted in 40 women suffering from bipolar disorder.

The exclusion criteria were: relapse period in sick, age over 60 years or severe somatic comorbidity.

The evaluation of sexual function was made using the “Sexual Behavior Questionnaire” (SBQ).

Results

The mean age was 30 years. Bipolar disorder type I accounted for 72.5%.

According to the SBQ, 37.5% of patients had a desire disorder, 57.5% had a frequency less than 3 times per week sexual intercourse, 45% had a drop in excitation and 42.5% were not satisfied with their sex life.

Sexual problems are positively correlated at an early age of onset of bipolar disorder (P = 0.001).

The lack of desire, the sexual excitation disorder and the decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourse are positively correlated with the depressive phase of bipolar disorder.

Conclusion

A better understanding of sexual behavior in women with bipolar disorder and the early screening of the sexual disorders must be integrated into the management of the disease. It can improve their quality of life and adherence to therapy.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.