Sexual Dysfunction and Marital Relationship in Women With Schizophrenia in Comparison with Caregivers: A Hospital-based Study

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction is common in females with schizophrenia and is attributed to multiple causes, including individual psychopathology and antipsychotics. Understanding the impact of relationship satisfaction on sexual functioning is not widely studied in schizophrenia. Women caregivers also experience sexual problems and were not studied in the past. Aim: To assess the nature and occurrence of sexual dysfunction in women with schizophrenia in comparison to caregivers of males without severe mental disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 30 women with schizophrenia were recruited as cases and 26 age-matched controls were recruited from female caregivers. All subjects were assessed using standardized tools such as Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Relationship Assessment Scale along with sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: There was a significant difference in FSFI scores and relationship scores between women with schizophrenia and caregiver control subjects. The relationship quality was better in patients with schizophrenia when compared to caregivers unlike sexual functioning. Conclusion: Sexual functioning in women is a complex phenomenon. A holistic biopsychosocial approach is necessary to understand women’s sexual function.