Sexual Dysfunction with Risperidone in Male and Female Patients of Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Sexual side-effects due to use of Antipsychotic drugs have become one of the most important determinants of treatment compliance. Studies regarding sexual side-effects associated with antipsychotics comprise only a handful in the Indian population, especially so in this north-eastern part of the country. Aims and Objectives 1. To assess the sexual dysfunction associated with Risperidone in male and female patients of Schizophrenia. 2. To compare the sexual dysfunction associated with Risperidone between male and female patients of Schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based comparative study conducted on 50 clinically stable male and female patients of Schizophrenia on Risperidone only. A Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) was administered after assessing the clinical stabilities with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Sexual dysfunction was assessed by calculating the mean scores on all the domains of sexual functioning in SFQ which were then compared across the study groups using the Chi square test . The results were analysed using SPSS Version 16.0 setting the significance threshold at p <0.05. Results: From this study, we inferred that with Risperidone, impairment is seen in desire disorders (12%), arousal disorders (14%), orgasmic difficulties (26%) and overall sexual dysfunction (20%) although not statistically significant. It was also found that in females, Risperidone caused more desire disorders, more arousal disorders and a more overall sexual dysfunction; whereas in case of males, Risperidone caused more arousal disorders, more orgasmic difficulties, more sex related pain problems and a more overall sexual dysfunction; Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is an important side-effect of Antipsychotic drugs. So clinicians should try to address these side-effects to help patients’ attain a better compliance.