The Comparison of Prevalence and Patterns of Sexual Dysfunction between Patients with Schizophrenia and Healthy Controls / 생물치료정신의학

ABSTRACT

Objectives@#：Sexual dysfunction is common in both untreated and treated patients with schizophrenia and known as affecting the quality of life and drug compliance. The primary objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Korean patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic medications compared with healthy controls. @*Methods@#：Subjects were 75 patients who were recruited from outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to DSM-IV-TR criteria, who had been stabilized on antipsychotic medications for more than three consecutive months. Control group consisted of 76 volunteers without history of any psychiatric disorder were excluded. We assessed for sexual dysfunction by the ASEX. @*Results@#：The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the patient group was 57.33%, while that of the control group was 23.37%. Female gender and the use of antidepressants were best predictors of sexual dysfunction in patient group. Sexual difference at sexual drive observed in the control group diminished in the patient group. @*Conclusion@#：The present study demonstrated a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patient group than control. Clinicians should consider the differential sexual dysfunction effects of antipsychotics when prescribing medications.