Sexual dysfunction

What is sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can take many forms, but affects both men and women, and can have far-reaching implications on self-esteem, quality of life, and relationships, as well as considerably reducing medication compliance should they cause sexual dysfunction. This table outlines the prevalence and causes of sexual dysfunction in people with schizophrenia. Please also see the relevant pharmaceutical treatment topic.

What is the evidence for sexual dysfunction?

Moderate to low quality evidence finds high levels of sexual dysfunction in both men and women with schizophrenia (between 25% and 85%). Factors associated with sexual dysfunction were increased symptom severity (positive, negative, and depressive symptoms, early age at onset, and continuous illness course), first-generation antipsychotics in general, the second-generation antipsychotic risperidone, and antipsychotic polytherapy.

October 2020

Last updated at: 3:36 am, 20th October 2020
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Fact Sheet Technical Commentary

NeuRA Libraries

Title Colour Legend:
Green - Topic summary is available.
Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.