A Cross Sectional Study on Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is one of the leading causes of psychological distress in bipolar affective disorder patients. The current study aims to study the relationship between sexual dysfunction and quality of life in patients with Bipolar affective disorder in remission. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of purposively sampled bipolar patients in remission (N=60) was conducted in an OPD setting. After reinforcing confidentiality and privacy, data was collected and analyzed. Results: 73% with BD reported impaired sexual function. About 51.7% and 48.3% of male and female participants, respectively, had at least one form of sexual dysfunction. Better sexual function was associated with a higher degree of satisfaction with sexual life and higher QoL score. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is associated impaired quality of life, poor functioning and poor medication adherence. Hence, it should be made a routine practice to evaluate and address the problem of sexual dysfunction in patients with Bipolar affective disorder.