Sexual dysfunctions of chronic schizophrenic female patients

Abstract

Schizophrenic patients reveal sexual dysfunctions at the onset of the disorder but more profound in chronicity, after long-term anti-psychotic treatment. Various aspects of the sexuality of chronic female schizophrenic patients and sexual side-effects of conventional and atypical anti-psychotics were evaluated. Fifty female chronic schizophrenic patients treated with conventional and atypical anti-psychotics, compared to 50 matched controls, were assessed with: PANSS, UKU sexual side-effects component, GAF, SDBQ-female version and the WHOQOL-BREF. Results showed that schizophrenic female patients were hyposexual, were dissatisfied with their sexual life, had experiences of sexual abuse, emphasizing a high sexual conservatism. The evolution of schizophrenia affected their professional and marital status, their general level of functioning and their quality of life; even novel anti-psychotics are responsible for sexual side-effects comparable to those produced by conventional anti-psychotics. Direct enquiry about sexuality in this group, along with information, symptom and side-effect management, could lead to long-term acceptance of, and adherence to, anti-psychotic medication of sexually active persons suffering from schizophrenia and a better functioning and enjoyment of life.

Keywords:

• female
• chronic schizophrenia
• sexual dysfunction
• anti-psychotics

Acknowledgements

The authors would kindly thank for the help of Dr. Ioana Craciun, Dr. Andreea Zaharie, Sally Wood-Lamont and Kevin McCarthy.