Sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia vs bipolar disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Healthy sexual functioning is an important part of the human experience, but there is a lack of studies regarding sexuality and sexual behavior in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (García-Portilla, 2010).

Aim

To determine the differences on the sexual dysfunction profile between patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Method

Naturalistic, cross-sectional, multicentre, validation study. A total of 89 patients with schizophrenia (SQF) and 82 with bipolar disorder (BPD) were evaluated using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire Short-Form (CSFQ-14).

Results

Sample description (SQF vs BPD): Mean age (SD) were 39.2 (11.0) vs 46.7 (10.9) (p < 0.001), men were 58.8% vs 41.2% (χ2 = 4.0, df. = 1, p < 0.05), 61.8% vs 38.2% were single (χ2 = 12.8, df. = 1, p < 0.001). Mean (SD) scores on CSFQ-14 scales were (SQF vs BPD): Pleasure 2.2 (1.0) vs 2.6 (1.0) (t = -2.2, p < 0.05), Sexual desire/frequency 5.3 (2.0) vs 5.9 (2.0) (t = -2.0, p < 0.05), Sexual desire/interest 5.7 (2.6) vs 6.9 (3.0) (t = -2.5, p < 0.05), Arousal/excitement 8.6 (3.1) vs 8.9 (3.4), Orgasm/completion 7.9 (3.2) vs 8.8 (3.2), Desire 11.1 (3.9) vs 12.9 (4.4) (t = -2.7, p < 0.05), Arousal 8.6 (3.1) vs 8.9 (3.4), Orgasm 7.9 (3.2) vs 8.8 (3.2) and Total 39.5 (9.7) vs 42.2 (11.0).

Conclusions

Patients with schizophrenia have more difficulty to get pleasure and more problems in the phase of desire (frequency and interest) than the patients with bipolar disorder.