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Abstract
Objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate sexual function in patients with schizophrenia receiving treatment with a first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) or a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) drug. Sexual function is an important aspect of human experience, which can be affected by antipsychotic drug treatment. Sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia may be less prevalent with SGA than with FGA drug treatment. Methods. A cross-sectional prevalence study assessed sexual function in a sample of 144 patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia aged between 18 and 65, using the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning (self-report version: DISF-SR). Two equal-sized groups (N = 72) received treatment with an FGA or an SGA drug for at least 12 weeks. Results. No significant differences were seen on DISF-SR total score or subscale score between the two treatment groups. Conclusions. There are no differences in measured sexual function of non-randomised patients with schizophrenia treated with an FGA compared with SGA-treated patients.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank those patients who agreed to participate in the assessments.
Statement of Interest
This study did not receive any direct financial support. The study took the form of an unfunded add-on study to CUtLASS (Cost Utility of the Latest Antipsychotics in Severe Schizophrenia) funded via UK Health Technology Assessment. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests in connection with the content of this manuscript.