Frequency of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with a Psychotic Disorder Receiving Antipsychotics

Comparison of Sexual Function and Hormonal Parameters Between Mood Stabilizer Treatment Modalities in Bipolar Disorder

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the differences between lithium and atypical antipsychotics (quetiapine and olanzapine) with regard to their effects on sexual functions and hormonal variables and to assess the findings in term of gender differences, in patients with bipolar disorder.

METHOD

28 female and 29 male patients diagnosed as having bipolar disorder type I according to the DSM-IV, using lithium or quetiapine and quetiapine+lithium or olanzapine and olanzapine+lithium were evaluated consecutively. Being in remission period and given informed consent were set as inclusion criteria in these cases. Interviews with the patients were carried out using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) and SKIP-TURK. Sexual functions and satisfaction were evaluated with the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). Blood samples of the patients were taken in order to determine prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and free testosterone (T) levels.

RESULTS

GRISS scores in male patients were higher than in female patients (p=.001). The number of manic, depressive and total episodes, and functionality levels were similar between the treatment groups, both in female and male patients. No differences were found between treatment modalities in terms of hormone levels both in female and male patients. Among females, ASEX scores of the patients treated with lithium monotherapy were less than the ones treated with quetiapine and olanzapine. Among patients with quetiapine monotherapy, GRISS scores in male patients were higher than in female patients.

CONCLUSION

There are some evidences showing gender-based differences in the side effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs. Future studies with a specific focus on this topic are needed in order to have a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of gender differences.

Second-generation and newly approved antipsychotics, serum prolactin levels and sexual dysfunctions: a critical literature review

INTRODUCTION

Using antipsychotic (AP) medication can increase prolactin (PRL) levels and place the patient at risk of sexual dysfunction (SD).

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this review is to describe the PRL propensity of the different second-generation and newly approved APs. It then considers the prevalence rates of SDs associated with these compounds in patients with schizophrenia and treatment strategies for the management of SDs and/or hyperprolactinemia (HPRL). Furthermore, we address the lingering question regarding the association between SDs and PRL.

EXPERT OPINION

SD (particularly long-term) data remain scarce for several APs. A wide variety of assessment techniques used in SD research make reliable comparisons between APs impossible. The majority of these reports do not equally allow us to distinguish between treatment (AP and co-medication)-emergent SDs and illness-related SDs. This makes it difficult to assess the degree to which these side effects are associated with 'PRL-raising' APs, and what part of this fraction is directly reducible to serum PRL levels. Also, few evidence-based treatment strategies for HPRL and associated side effects are available. Therefore, longer-term randomized controlled trials, using reliable and valid structured interviews or questionnaires, are necessary to establish the precise relationship between APs, PRL levels and SDs rates and develop valuable treatment options.

Effect of the addition of aripiprazole on hyperprolactinemia associated with risperidone long-acting injection

We sought to assess the effect of the addition of a fixed dose of 5 mg daily of aripiprazole on hyperprolactinemia induced by risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) treatment in patients with chronic psychoses and the adverse events related to the addition of aripiprazole and its impact on the disease. This is an open uncontrolled clinical trial with 13 patients with a severe mental disorder (schizophrenia and other unspecified psychoses) treated with RLAI and with increased serum prolactin levels. Subjects received the addition of a fixed dose of 5 mg daily of aripiprazole for 3 months. The main efficacy outcome was the change in serum prolactin levels after 3 months of treatment. Twelve of the 13 patients showed a decrease in serum prolactin levels (81 ± 46 μg/L at baseline vs 42 ± 21 μg/L at month 1, P < 0.001, 52% mean reduction). In 2 patients, prolactin levels reverted normality. In 8 patients who continued treatment for 2 more months, the decrease in prolactin levels was maintained. Symptoms associated with hyperprolactinemia improved, and no worsening of the Clinical Global Impression Scale scores was observed. The adverse effects due to the addition of aripiprazole were mild and transient. The addition of aripiprazole 5 mg daily to RLAI was associated with a significant decrease in hyperprolactinemia levels and no major additional toxicity in patients with chronic psychosis.

Talking about sex as part of our role: making and sustaining practice change

Sexual issues are common for consumers of mental health services and have many adverse consequences for quality of life as well as impacting negatively on the mental illness itself. Nurses in mental health settings are well placed to assess for the presence of and provide interventions for sexual concerns. To date, little research has been undertaken to explore nurses' attitudes and whether sexual issues would be accepted as part of their care. This paper presents findings from the third stage of a qualitative, exploratory research study with mental health nurses working in an Australian mental health service. The findings from the first two stages suggested that the participants had tended to avoid discussion of sexual issues, but a brief education intervention had produced a greater willingness to address sexual issues as part of care. The aim of the third stage was to determine the degree to which changes in practice had continued over time. Two main themes that emerged from this data were: (i) holism, from rhetoric to reality; and (ii) part of what I do. Addressing sexual issues became part of practice, a change sustained 2 years following the intervention, because participants recognized its importance for holistic nursing care.

Non-neurological and metabolic side effects in the Cost Utility of the Latest Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia Randomised Controlled Trial (CUtLASS-1)

The impact of non-neurological and metabolic side effects (NNSEs) on the prescription of antipsychotics in real clinical practice remains unclear. We conducted an intention-to-treat, secondary analysis of data from a randomised, controlled trial (CUtLASS-1; n=227) to examine NNSEs emergent at 12 weeks and 52 weeks. A clinically significant difference was defined as double or half the symptoms in groups prescribed first- versus second-generation antipsychotics, represented by odds ratios greater than 2.0 (indicating advantage for first-generation drugs) or less than 0.5 (indicating advantage for the newer drugs). There were no differences between the treatment groups at baseline. At both 12 and 52 weeks follow-up, patients on second-generation drugs were more likely than their first-generation counterparts to experience cardiovascular problems and anticholinergic side effects, as well as increased sexual side effects in men. Objective weight gain was equivalent between the two groups at 12 weeks, but by one year fewer patients in the second-generation arm experienced weight gain and there was no significant difference with regard to percent change in BMI. These results suggest that there may be clinically significant increases in anticholinergic, cardiovascular, and sexual side effects for patients on second-generation drugs. The expected increased weight gain in the second-generation arm did not occur. This study provides evidence that clinicians should take a more nuanced approach toward expert antipsychotic prescription, rather than viewing the drugs as distinct classes.

Subjective quality of life and sexual dysfunction in outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

The objective of this research was to examine the association between sexual dysfunction and subjective quality of life in outpatients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The authors evaluated a sample of 238 adult outpatients with diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who took quetiapine, olanzapine, or risperidone at study entry with a 1-time rating of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and the general life satisfaction scale item of the quality of life index. The authors used multiple linear robust regression and Spearman partial correlation coefficient to examine the relation between subjective quality of life (measured by the general life satisfaction scale item) and sexual functioning (measured by the Arizona sexual experience scale). The authors found a significant negative linear relation between the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale total score and the general life satisfaction scale item for the overall sample (r(s) = -0.16, p = .01), but not separately for men or women. Sexual dysfunction in men and women with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder is associated with decreased subjective quality of life, although the magnitude of the effect size was relatively small. Improving clinicians' awareness of the importance of sexual dysfunction in patients may improve tolerability and subsequent treatment outcomes.

Adjunctive treatment with lodenafil carbonate for erectile dysfunction in outpatients with schizophrenia and spectrum: a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION.: Evidence is accumulating to support the presence of erectile dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia. This dysregulation may be amenable to therapeutic intervention to improve adherence and quality of life of patients who suffer from schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. AIM.: We aimed to evaluate the use of adjunctive medication lodenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in outpatients with schizophrenia and spectrum. METHODS.: The design was a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial with lodenafil and it was carried at the Schizophrenia Outpatients Program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES.: The measures used to assess sexual dysfunction were Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Quality of Life Scale (QLS) were also used. The measures included the levels of prolactin, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin, free testosterone, and total testosterone at baseline and end point. Lodenafil and placebo pills were used by the patients for 16 weeks. RESULTS.: Fifty male outpatients fulfilled the criteria and 94% of the participants completed the study. Lodenafil and placebo produced improvement in ASEX, IIEF scale, PANSS, and QLS, and there was no statistical difference between lodenafil and placebo groups in all sexual domains in the results of PANSS and QLS and in the results of hormone levels. CONCLUSION.: These results indicate that both lodenafil and placebo were effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction for schizophrenia. Placebo effect is very important in patients with schizophrenia and this study showed the importance of discussing sexuality and trying to treat these patients. Further studies designed to test treatments of erectile dysfunction in patients who suffer from schizophrenia are necessary.

Management of sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic drug therapy

BACKGROUND

Psychotropic drugs are associated with sexual dysfunction. Symptoms may concern penile erection, lubrication, orgasm, libido, retrograde ejaculation, sexual arousal, or overall sexual satisfaction. These are major aspects of tolerability and can highly affect patients' compliance.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of different strategies (e.g. dose reduction, drug holidays, adjunctive medication, switching to another drug) for treatment of sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic therapy.

SEARCH METHODS

An updated search was performed in the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Trials Register (3 May 2012) and the references of all identified studies for further trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all relevant randomised controlled trials involving people with schizophrenia and sexual dysfunction.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We extracted data independently. For dichotomous data we calculated random effects risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for crossover trials we calculated Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% CI. For continuous data, we calculated mean differences (MD) on the basis of a random-effects model. We analysed cross-over trials under consideration of correlation of paired measures.

MAIN RESULTS

Currently this review includes four pioneering studies (total n = 138 , duration two weeks to four months), two of which are cross-over trials. One trial reported significantly more erections sufficient for penetration when receiving sildenafil compared with when receiving placebo (n = 32, MD 3.20 95% CI 1.83 to 4.57), a greater mean duration of erections (n = 32, MD 1.18 95% CI 0.52 to 1.84) and frequency of satisfactory intercourse (n = 32, MD 2.84 95% CI 1.61 to 4.07). The second trial found no evidence for selegiline as symptomatic treatment for antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction compared with placebo (n = 10, MD change on Aizenberg's sexual functioning scale -0.40 95% CI -3.95 to 3.15). No evidence was found for switching to quetiapine from risperidone to improve sexual functioning (n = 36, MD -2.02 95% CI -5.79 to 1.75). One trial reported significant improvement in sexual functioning when participants switched from risperidone or an typical antipsychotic to olanzapine (n = 54, MD -0.80 95% CI -1.55 to -0.05).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We are not confident that cross-over studies are appropriate for this participant group as they are best for conditions that are stable and for interventions with no physiological and psychological carry-over. Sildenafil may be a useful option in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction in men with schizophrenia, but this conclusion is based only on one small short trial. Switching to olanzapine may improve sexual functioning in men and women, but the trial assessing this was a small, open label trial. Further well designed randomised control trials that are blinded and well conducted and reported, which investigate the effects of dose reduction, drug holidays, symptomatic therapy and switching antipsychotic on sexual function in people with antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction are urgently needed.

Sexual dysfunction in people with prodromal or first-episode psychosis

BACKGROUND

Sexual dysfunction is common in psychotic disorder but it is not clear whether it is intrinsic to the development of the illness or secondary to other factors.

AIMS

To compare sexual function in people at ultra-high risk (UHR) of a psychotic disorder, patients with first-episode psychosis predominantly taking antipsychotic drugs and healthy volunteers.

METHOD

Sexual function was assessed in a UHR group (n = 31), a group with first-episode psychosis (n = 37) and a matched control group of healthy volunteers (n = 56) using the Sexual Function Questionnaire.

RESULTS

There was a significant effect of group on sexual function (P<0.001). Sexual dysfunction was evident in 50% of the UHR group, 65% of first-episode patients and 21% of controls. Within the UHR group, sexual dysfunction was more marked in those who subsequently developed psychosis than in those who did not. Across all groups the severity of sexual dysfunction was correlated with the severity of psychotic symptoms (P<0.001). Within the first-episode group there was no significant difference in sexual dysfunction between patients taking prolactin-raising v. prolactin-sparing antipsychotics.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual dysfunction is present prior to onset of psychosis, suggesting it is intrinsic to the development of illness unlikely to be related to the prolactin-raising properties of antipsychotic medication.

Sexual dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia in Japanese schizophrenic patients taking antipsychotics

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, evaluated by the Nagoya Sexual Function Questionnaire (NSFQ), and hyperprolactinemia in patients with schizophrenia and examine a relationship between sexual dysfunction and serum prolactin levels. This cross-sectional, comparative study was performed using a sample comprising 195 Japanese schizophrenic in- and outpatients treated with antipsychotics (117 males and 78 females). Data were collected from October 2009 to January 2010 using single, cross-sectional ratings of sexual function assessed by the NSFQ and concurrent measurement of serum prolactin levels. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia was high (males 66.7%; females 79.5%). Hyperprolactinemia (>25ng/ml) was highly prevalent among schizophrenia patients, affecting 53.8% of females and 51.3% of males. Among female patients, 16.7% had prolactin levels>100ng/ml. There was no relationship between sexual dysfunction and serum prolactin levels. The present study demonstrated a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia in Japanese schizophrenia patients. Clinicians should keep these problems in mind and discuss potential solutions with patients to improve patients' quality of life and adherence to therapy.

Sexual dysfunction in male subjects receiving trifluoperazine, risperidone, or olanzapine: rates vary with assessment questionnaire

OBJECTIVE

To assess the rate and typology of sexual dysfunction in male subjects receiving trifluoperazine, risperidone, or olanzapine using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), the Psychotropic Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire (PRSexDQ), and the sexual function section of the modified Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser Side Effect Rating Scale (UKU).

METHOD

The sample included 100 men with psychotic disorders (F2 category of the ICD-10) and receiving trifluoperazine (n = 20), risperidone (n = 30), or olanzapine (n = 50) for at least 3 months' duration. Subjects with a history of sexual dysfunction prior to antipsychotic intake or chronic medical illness were excluded. A cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected over a 1½-year period from March 2009 to August 2010.

RESULTS

The rate of sexual dysfunction varied from scale to scale among the 100 subjects. The rate of sexual dysfunction was 25% on the ASEX, 37% on the PRSexDQ, and 40% on the UKU. Sexual dysfunction in the trifluoperazine, risperidone, and olanzapine groups was 20%, 43%, and 16%, respectively, on the ASEX; 35%, 50%, and 30%, respectively, on the PRSexDQ; and 40%, 50%, and 34%, respectively, on the UKU. The most common sexual dysfunction as assessed on all scales was decreased libido, except for the risperidone group on the ASEX.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual dysfunction is quite prevalent in subjects receiving antipsychotic medications. In our study, rate of sexual dysfunction was highest for risperidone, followed by trifluoperazine and olanzapine. However, the rate of sexual dysfunction varied from scale to scale. Hence, there is a need for a comprehensive instrument to assess sexual dysfunction in patients receiving antipsychotics.

Estimation of a multiattribute utility function for the Spanish version of the TooL questionnaire

OBJECTIVES

To estimate and assess the psychometric properties of a multiattribute utility function (MAUF) for the Spanish version of the Tolerability and Quality of Life (TooL questionnaire).

METHODS

Balanced data on 243 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were gathered. In addition to the demographic and clinical variables and the usual generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires (EuroQol-5D [EQ-5D] and Short Form-6D [SF-6D]), instruments considered included the Spanish versions of the Positive and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia Scale (PANSS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser (UKU), and Clinical Global Impression Severity (CGIS) scale. MAUF parameters estimation involved a number of visual analogue scale (VAS) and time trade-off (TTO) ratings that proved difficult to be performed by the patients. After checking for inconsistencies in patient responses, the original sample was reduced to a still balanced subsample of 70 individuals. A multiplicative-form MAUF was estimated following the standard methodology.

RESULTS

Good convergent validity was demonstrated because utility estimates from the MAUF presented strong correlations with utilities from the generic HRQoL instruments included: SF-6D (0.66, P < 0.01), EQ-5D (0.69, P < 0.01), and moderate correlations with the rest of instruments considered: PANSS (-0.27, P = 0.10), YMRS (-0.30, P = 0.08), MADRS (-0.48, P < 0.01), UKU (-0.35, P < 0.01). Criterion validity was also met because differences in mean utilities by clinical severity were found (P < 0.01). Utilities from the MAUF covered a wider range of health states [0.04,1.00] than those from the SF-6D [0.53,1.00] and EQ-5D [0.23,0.96].

CONCLUSIONS

Utilities from the MAUF showed good psychometric properties, serving as a complement to generic health utilities. If misapplied, however, utilities from this instrument might favor the positive evaluation of drugs showing fewer associated side effects.

Sexual dysfunction in first-episode schizophrenia patients: results from European First Episode Schizophrenia Trial

Sexual dysfunctions (SDs) occur frequently in schizophrenia patients and have a huge impact on quality of life and compliance. They are often associated with antipsychotic medication. Nicotine consumption, negative or depressive symptoms, and physical illness are also discussed as contributing factors. Data on SD in first-episode schizophrenia patients are scarce.As part of the European First Episode Schizophrenia Trial, first-episode schizophrenia patients were randomly assigned to 5 medication groups. We assessed SD by analyzing selected items from the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersugelser at baseline and at 5 following visits.Differences between antipsychotics were small for all SDs, and fairly little change in the prevalence of SDs was seen over the course of the study. A significantly larger increase of amenorrhea and galactorrhea was seen with amisulpride than with the other medications. In men, higher age, more pronounced Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale general psychopathology symptoms, and higher plasma prolactin levels predicted higher rates of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunctions. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale negative symptoms and higher age were predictors for decreased libido.In women, higher prolactin plasma levels were identified as a predictor of amenorrhea. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale negative symptoms predicted decreased libido.All evidence taken together underscores the influence of the disease schizophrenia itself on sexual functioning. In addition, there is a strong correlation between the prolactin-increasing properties of amisulpride and menstrual irregularities.

Reliability and validity of a new sexual function questionnaire (Nagoya Sexual Function Questionnaire) for schizophrenic patients taking antipsychotics

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to validate a new user-friendly sexual function questionnaire (Nagoya Sexual Function Questionnaire [NSFQ]) for schizophrenic patients taking antipsychotics.

METHODS

Schizophrenic outpatients (men = 30, women = 30) were asked to fill out the NSFQ at initial entry into the research program (Time₁) and again 1 to 2 weeks later (Time₂). To assess the convergent validity of the NSFQ, at Time₁, subjects were asked to fill out the Japanese version of the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogekser Side Effect Rating Scale (UKU). To assess the discriminant validity of the NSFQ, at Time₁, subjects were also asked to fill out the Japanese version of Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

RESULTS

Results from Cronbach's alpha analysis indicated that the NSFQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency and scale reliability. The NSFQ also demonstrated strong test-retest reliability. The NSFQ total score was highly correlated with the UKU total score. The NSFQ was shown to have good convergent validity with the UKU. The NSFQ total score was not correlated with the Japanese version of Epworth Sleepiness Scale total score.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validities of the NSFQ.

Management of physical health in patients with schizophrenia: practical recommendations

Improved physical health care is a pressing need for patients with schizophrenia. It can be achieved by means of a multidisciplinary team led by the psychiatrist. Key priorities should include: selection of antipsychotic therapy with a low risk of weight gain and metabolic adverse effects; routine assessment, recording and longitudinal tracking of key physical health parameters, ideally by electronic spreadsheets; and intervention to control CVD risk following the same principles as for the general population. A few simple tools to assess and record key physical parameters, combined with lifestyle intervention and pharmacological treatment as indicated, could significantly improve physical outcomes. Effective implementation of strategies to optimise physical health parameters in patients with severe enduring mental illness requires engagement and communication between psychiatrists and primary care in most health settings.