Let us integrate sexual health\u2014do psychiatrists integrate sexual health in patient management?

Tamara Seitz,Johannes Bitzer,Andrea Kottmel,Henriette Löffler-Stastka,Bela Teleky,Lucia Ucsnik

doi:10.1007/s00737-019-01016-9

Tamara Seitz, Johannes Bitzer + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-019-01016-9

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Abstract

The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction and the importance of sexual health issues in general stress the need for a physician to integrate sexual health issues in patient management. In this study, we evaluate the frequency of psychiatrists addressing sexual health issues as well as their attitude towards sexual health. Plus, we want to evaluate the multi-professional network for patient treatment that is needed by physicians for collaboration with other medical specialists and health care professionals. At total 100 psychiatrists (age range 30–60 years), participating at the annual meeting of the Austrian Society of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, were invited to self-assess their caring for patients’ sexual health issues and answer a self-report questionnaire. The return rate was 74%. A third of the participating psychiatrists and psychotherapists stated to address sexual health in patients in daily routine. Twenty-five percent of the physicians suspected sexual health problems in 60–100% of their patients but did not ask the patients about this topic. Mentioned reasons why patients would not actively address sexual problems were rated by the survey participants “a different problem was more important”, “lack of time”, and “embarrassment”. Only few of the participating psychiatrists stated to offer a consultation in sexual health to the patients, none to offer sexual therapy. A mentioned reason was “lack of competence regarding sexual health”. Twelve percent referred the patients with sexual issues to a physician with another medical specialization, especially to experts in gynaecology and obstetrics, to experts in urology, or to andrologists. However, a need for a network in the field of sexual medicine was stated and an unawareness of a sexual health care network: where to refer the patients in need. Our data showed an increased need in the routine treatment and management of sexual health care in psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Plus, the data stresses the need for professional sexual medicine qualification and for extended cooperation between different medical fields and health care professionals in order to integrate sexual health topics professionally in daily routine.

Highlights

Sexual health is essential for general health, quality of life, and well-being
There is a need for health care professionals to integrate sexual health issues in patient management and treatment (Nusbaum and Hamilton 2002)
Our study showed that less than a third of the psychiatrists participating in this survey reported in the selfassessment that they ask over 80% of their patients about their sexual health issues

Summary

Introduction

Sexual health is essential for general health, quality of life, and well-being. The Declaration for Sexual Rights by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS 2014) states that sexual health is a right grounded in universal human rights. Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relationship to sexuality. It is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having delightful and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence (WAS 2014). There is a need for health care professionals to integrate sexual health issues in patient management and treatment (Nusbaum and Hamilton 2002)

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