The low frequency of reported sexual dysfunction in Asian patients with schizophrenia (2001-2009): low occurrence or ignored side effect?

Hum Psychopharmacol. 2011 Jun-Jul;26(4-5):352-7. doi: 10.1002/hup.1213. Epub 2011 Jul 12.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the frequency of reported sexual dysfunction (SD) in schizophrenia and its associations with sociodemographic and clinical variables in selected Asian countries.

Methods: A total of 5877 schizophrenia patients in nine Asian countries and territories were examined between 2001 and 2009. The patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, prescription of psychotropic drugs, and drug-induced side effects were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection. SD was evaluated as "present" or "absent" according to the clinical judgment of experienced psychiatrists.

Results: The frequency of reported SD in the whole sample in women and men was 3.0%, 0.8%, and 4.6%, respectively, with variations across study sites. In the multivariate analyses, male sex, more second-generation antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants were independently associated with higher likelihood of reported SD, whereas negative symptoms had an inverse association with reported SD.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that SD was seldom recorded as a side effect by Asian psychiatrists while treating patients with schizophrenia. It is unclear whether the low prevalence of reported SD compared with Western data is real or whether the results are being insufficiently recognized.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Asia
  • Benzodiazepines / adverse effects
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • International Classification of Diseases
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Prevalence
  • Schizophrenia / complications*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / chemically induced
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / complications
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / epidemiology*
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / chemically induced
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / complications
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Benzodiazepines