Drug-induced sexual dysfunction and mental health patients' attitude to psychotropic medications

摘要

The objective of the study was to explore sexual dysfunction in adults with enduring mental health problem treated with psychotropic medications, focusing on associations between drug-induced sexual dysfunction and attitude to prescribed medications. Participants were invited to complete an anonymous self-administered survey questionnaire, which comprised of the 10-Item Drug Attitude Inventory and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). In addition, participants were asked about their views on discussing sexual problems with healthcare professionals. Of participants, 34 (53%) reported current sexual dysfunction. Of those, 26 (41%) attributed their sexual dysfunction to side-effects of medications. Sixteen (25%) expressed a negative attitude towards their treatment. Compared to patients with a positive attitude, those with a negative attitude reported statistically significant higher ratings of sexual arousal problems, erectile dysfunction/vaginal dryness, orgasmic inhibitions, orgasmic dissatisfactions and higher total ASEX scores. Furthermore, participants were relatively willing to discuss their sexual problems with healthcare professionals. The study found that participants' experience of sexual side-effects has a negative influence on subjective attitude to psychotropic medications. Empathic discussions of sexual side-effects may offer psychiatrists an opportunity to improve treatment adherence and, ultimately, quality of life.