Sexual dysfunction among drug-naïve depressive disorder patient in a multidisciplinary teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the prevalence, typology and natural course of non-drug-induced sexual dysfunction in patients with depressive disorders. The degree of sexual dysfunction and its prevalence appears to be correlated with the severity of disease. Aims: The aim of the study is to find the prevalence and pattern of sexual dysfunction among drug naive patient having depressive disorder and its correlation. Settings and Design: 2 years (September 2013- August 2015), cross-sectional study, out-patient department, Department of Psychiatry, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur. Materials and Methods: Depressive disorder was established according to ICD-10 criteria. Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were subjected to Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression to assess the severity of their depression and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale questionnaire to assess sexual dysfunction if any in confidentiality. Statistical Analysis Used: statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Chi square test was used and p value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Result: 50 patients with depressive disorder were enrolled for the study. 44 percent of them were found to have sexual dysfunction. More problems were found with sexual desire and arousal phases of sexual life. A positive correlation was established between the severity of illness and the degree of sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: This study showed that majority of such patients has sexual problems especially with regard to desire for sex and arousability. The degree of sexual dysfunction was found to be proportional to the severity of depression and hence maybe an important predictor of sexual dysfunction among depressed patients.