Sexual dysfunction in patients with major depression

ABSTRACT

Fifty male patients diagnosed as major depression according to DSM-III-R were selected randomly from psychiometric outpatient clinic. They were initially assessed by psychiatric tools as regards personality, anxiety and depression. Also their psychosexual functioning were asked about. Serum level of testosterone and prolactin were measured. Patients received treatment with tricyclic antidepressants for six months after which they were reassessed. Patients were divided into two groups according to their sexual functioning. Results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between both groups as regard level of depression and hormones. However the group with sexual dysfunction was significantly older other in age, had a higher level of anxiety, more introvert and with higher level of criminality and neuroticism. After treatment most of patients showed improvement but some patients did not improve. Even some developed decrease in their sexual performance. There was a significant increase in the level of prolactin and significant decrease in the level of testosterone after treatment in whole patients. But there was no significant difference between those who improved and those who did not. Also there is no significant difference between the patients who developed side effect of the antidepremants and who did not develop such side effect which was decreased in sexual performance. The implication of these findings were discussed