Treatment with antipsychotics and sexual dysfunction in a sample of schizophrenic inpatients

Abstract

Introduction

Previous studies show association between sexual dysfunction and antipsychotic treatment.

Objectives

To study the prevalence and clinical correlates of sexual dysfunction in schizophrenic inpatients treated with antipsychotics. To analyze the influence of sexual complaints in treatment adherence.

Methods

Retrospective descriptive study of psychiatric inpatients diagnosed of schizophrenia following DSM-IV-TR) criteria and treated in an acute care unit of Psychiatry in an university hospital in a 12-month period. Patients treated with combination of antipsychotics (typical and atypical) were excluded from the analysis (n = 60). Sexual side effects were evaluated with Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser (UKU) Side Effect Rating Scale and evaluated in two treatment groups: conventional antipsychotics, and atypical antipsychotics. Patients were asked about subjective experience with other treatments.

Results

The mean age of subjects was 32.4 (SD = 8.7). From the whole sample 38 (63.3%) were men and 22 (36.7%) women. Sexual dysfunction related to treatment was present in 78% of patients. Men were more affected than women and 69% of them related that sexual dysfunction had influenced the decision of treatment withdrawal previous to income. Amenorrhea was more common on risperidone and amisulpride. Analysis of different antipsychotics and its relationship with sexual dysfunction are presented.

Conclusions

Sexual dysfunction is a frequent side effect associated with antipsychotics in schizophrenic patients. The sexual side effects may reduce the quality of life and may increase non-compliance that is usually associated to readmissions and worse prognosis of severe mental illness.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.