Sexual dysfunctions in Tunisian patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Summary Introduction Sexuality in patients with schizophrenia is often overlooked. Very few studies examined sexual dysfunctions in such patients, especially in Tunisian socio-cultural context. The objective of this work was to assess sexual dysfunctions in Tunisian patients with schizophrenia. Methods A survey was conducted between August 8 and September 5, 2011 among consultants at departments of psychiatry “E” and “F” in Razi Mental Health Hospital in Mannouba, Tunisia. All consultants with schizophrenia, aged between 18 and 60, who were sexually active during the period of the study, were included. Sexual dysfunctions were assessed using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ) translated to Arabic dialect. Results Thirty-eight patients were included. Sexual dysfunctions prevalence was 71% (n = 27) with no difference by sex. These figures are higher than those of the general population and are consistent with previous studies using the CSFQ. The average number of sexual dysfunctions was 3.8 per patient. There was no between-gender difference. The most frequent dysfunction was sexual pleasure dysfunction (50%; n = 19). The presence of sexual dysfunctions was significantly associated with early onset of schizophrenia, with high scores on the PANSS, with long acting antipsychotics, with high doses of antipsychotics, with the number of prescribed psychotropic medications and with good insight. Conclusions This study contributes to a better understanding of sexuality in patients with schizophrenia. Clinicians should consider sexual dysfunctions in these patients and discuss with them potential solutions to improve their quality of life and adherence to therapy.