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Jannini TB, Sansone A, Rossi R, Di Lorenzo G, Toscano M, Siracusano A, Jannini EA. Pharmacological strategies for sexual recovery in men undergoing antipsychotic treatment. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1065-1080. [PMID: 35470768 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2071124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : First- and second-generation antipsychotics are highly accountable for causing a plethora of medical side effects, ranging from metabolic imbalances to sexual dysfunction (SD), that frequently undermine patient-doctor relationships. Nevertheless, to date antipsychotics are one of the best treatment options for dealing with numerous either acute or chronic conditions like agitation, suicidality, depression, dementia, and of course psychosis. For these reasons, clinicians need to handle them wisely to preserve patients' sexual health, avoid poor therapeutic adherence and prevent high rates of therapy drop-out. AREAS COVERED : This article reviews the literature on pharmacologic approaches for management strategies in men who are administered with antipsychotics and developed SD. The etiology of antipsychotic-induced SD is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION : Clinicians must consider sexual life as a major health domain. To do so, a first step would be to measure and monitor sexual function by means of psychometric tools. Secondly, primary prevention should be conducted when choosing antipsychotics, i.e., picking sex-sparing compounds like aripiprazole or brexpiprazole. Thirdly, if sexolytic compounds cannot be dismissed, such as first-generation antipsychotics, risperidone, paliperidone, or amisulpride, then aripiprazole 5-20 mg/day adjunctive therapy has proven to be most effective in normalizing prolactin levels and consequently treating antipsychotic-induced SD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso B Jannini
- Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Di Lorenzo
- Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS-Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Toscano
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Siracusano
- Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Emmanuele A Jannini
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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2
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Montejo AL, de Alarcón R, Prieto N, Acosta JM, Buch B, Montejo L. Management Strategies for Antipsychotic-Related Sexual Dysfunction: A Clinical Approach. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020308. [PMID: 33467621 PMCID: PMC7829881 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antipsychotic medication can be often associated with sexual dysfunction (SD). Given its intimate nature, treatment emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD) remains underestimated in clinical practice. However, psychotic patients consider sexual issues as important as first rank psychotic symptoms, and their disenchantment with TESD can lead to important patient distress and treatment drop-out. In this paper, we detail some management strategies for TESD from a clinical perspective, ranging from prevention (carefully choosing an antipsychotic with a low rate of TESD) to possible pharmacological interventions aimed at improving patients' tolerability when TESD is present. The suggested recommendations include the following: prescribing either aripiprazole or another dopaminergic agonist as a first option antipsychotic or switching to it whenever possible. Whenever this is not possible, adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole seems to also be beneficial for reducing TESD. Some antipsychotics, like olanzapine, quetiapine, or ziprasidone, have less impact on sexual function than others, so they are an optimal second choice. Finally, a variety of useful strategies (such as the addition of sildenafil) are also described where the previous ones cannot be applied, although they may not yield as optimal results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel L. Montejo
- Psychiatry Service, Clinical Hospital of the University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo San Vicente SN, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Nursing School, University of Salamanca, Av. Donates de Sangre SN, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-63-9754-620
| | - Rubén de Alarcón
- Psychiatry Service, Infanta Elena Hospital, Juan Ramon Jiménez Hospital, Ronda Exterior Norte S/N, 21080 Huelva, Spain;
| | - Nieves Prieto
- Psychiatry Service, Clinical Hospital of the University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo San Vicente SN, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.M.A.); (B.B.)
| | - José Mª Acosta
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo San Vicente SN, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.M.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Bárbara Buch
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo San Vicente SN, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.M.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Laura Montejo
- Barcelona Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Program, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, 08401 Catalonia, Spain;
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Abstract
Over the last 3 to 4 decades then has been an upsurge in designing rating instruments for assessing various aspects of sexuality, sexual dysfunction, and sexual disorders. In this article, we review the instruments used for assessing/rating various sexual disorders stemming from problems in the areas of sexual knowledge to erection/ejaculation to marital functioning, etc. Some of the available scales focus on all the phases of the sexual cycle, whereas other scales focus on the specific phases of the sexual cycle. Some of the commonly used scales, which assess multiple domains of sexual dysfunction include the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale or the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction. Some of the scales focus on other disorders such as Dhat syndrome. Though a lot of scales are available, there is a paucity of culturally sensitive, translated-validated scales. Although rating instruments provide us with valuable information about the sexual functioning of an individual, these should always be used as an add-on, ie, secondary to detailed taking and clinical examination for making any diagnosis or formulation of a management plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Anish Shouan
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Iversen TSJ, Steen NE, Dieset I, Hope S, Mørch R, Gardsjord ES, Jørgensen KN, Melle I, Andreassen OA, Molden E, Jönsson EG. Side effect burden of antipsychotic drugs in real life - Impact of gender and polypharmacy. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 82:263-271. [PMID: 29122637 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic-associated side effects are well known and represent a significant treatment challenge. Still, few large studies have investigated the overall side effect burden of antipsychotics in real-life settings. OBJECTIVE To describe the occurrence of side effects and perceived burden of antipsychotics in a large naturalistic sample, taking polypharmacy and patient characteristics into account. METHOD Patients (n=1087) with psychotic disorders were assessed for side effects using the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser (UKU) side effect rating scale in addition to assessment of clinical and pharmacological data. Statistical analyses were performed controlling for possible confounding factors. RESULTS Use of antipsychotics showed significant associations to neurologic and sexual symptoms, sedation and weight gain, and >75% of antipsychotics-users reported side effects. More side effects were observed in patients using several antipsychotics (p=0.002), with increasing total dose (p=0.021) and with antipsychotics in combinations with other psychotropic drugs. Patients and investigators evaluated the side effect burden differently, particularly related to severity, gender and antipsychotics dose. Twice as many females described side effect burden as severe (p=0.004). CONCLUSION Patients with psychotic disorders have a high occurrence of symptoms associated with use of antipsychotics, and polypharmacy and female gender are seemingly risk factors for reporting a severe side effect burden. Due to the cross-sectional design evaluation of causality is tentative, and these findings should be further investigated in prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trude Seselie Jahr Iversen
- NORMENT K.G. Jebsen Center for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Nils Eiel Steen
- NORMENT K.G. Jebsen Center for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Drammen District Psychiatric Center, Clinic of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Ingrid Dieset
- NORMENT K.G. Jebsen Center for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrun Hope
- NORMENT K.G. Jebsen Center for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Neurohabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragni Mørch
- NORMENT K.G. Jebsen Center for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erlend Strand Gardsjord
- NORMENT K.G. Jebsen Center for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjetil Nordbø Jørgensen
- NORMENT K.G. Jebsen Center for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- NORMENT K.G. Jebsen Center for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT K.G. Jebsen Center for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Molden
- Center for Psychopharmacology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik G Jönsson
- NORMENT K.G. Jebsen Center for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Stomski NJ, Morrison P, Meyer A. Antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools: A systematic review. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2016; 50:399-409. [PMID: 26480934 DOI: 10.1177/0004867415608244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the psychometric properties of antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools. METHODS Systematic searches were undertaken in PubMed, CINAHL and CENTRAL from inception to October 2014. Studies were included if they detailed the evaluation of psychometric properties of antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools in mental health populations. Studies were excluded if they examined the use of antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools in non-mental health populations, including people suffering from dementia, Parkinsonism and Alzheimer's. Narrative reviews and studies published in any language other than English were also excluded. RESULTS Content validity was appropriately established for only one of the tools, reliability was inappropriately evaluated for all but one tool, and the assessment of responsiveness was not acceptable for any tool. CONCLUSION Further psychometric studies are warranted to consolidate the psychometric properties of the included antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools before any of these tools can be confidently recommended for either research or clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Jay Stomski
- School of Health Professions, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Paul Morrison
- School of Health Professions, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Amanda Meyer
- School of Health Professions, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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van Strien AM, Keijsers CJPW, Derijks HJ, van Marum RJ. Rating scales to measure side effects of antipsychotic medication: A systematic review. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:857-66. [PMID: 26156860 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115593893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many patients experience side effects during treatment with antipsychotics. This article reviews the clinical use and psychometric characteristics of rating scales used to assess side effects in patients treated with antipsychotics. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Embase, with predefined search terms. RESULTS In total, 52 different scales were used in the 440 articles retrieved. For multiple side effects measured with one scale, the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser Side Effects Rating Scale for Clinicians was used the most, whereas the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale had the best psychometric characteristics (Cronbach's α 0.81 and test-retest reliability 0.89). The Simpson Angus Scale was used the most to rate extrapyramidal side effects, although the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center scale had the best characteristics (Cronbach's α 0.80, test-retest reliability 0.92 and inter-rater reliability 0.81-0.90). The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale was used the most to assess sexual dysfunction, but the Antipsychotics and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire and the Nagoya Sexual Functioning Questionnaire had the best characteristics. CONCLUSION This review will help researchers and clinicians make a purpose-oriented choice of which scale to use. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42014013010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid M van Strien
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Rob J van Marum
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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De Hert M, Detraux J, Peuskens J. Second-generation and newly approved antipsychotics, serum prolactin levels and sexual dysfunctions: a critical literature review. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2014; 13:605-24. [PMID: 24697217 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2014.906579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc De Hert
- UPC KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences KU Leuven , Kortenberg , Belgium
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de Boer MK, Castelein S, Wiersma D, Schoevers RA, Knegtering H. A systematic review of instruments to measure sexual functioning in patients using antipsychotics. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2014; 51:383-389. [PMID: 24754359 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2013.865111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is a frequent side effect of antipsychotics, but information is scant regarding the psychometric properties and clinical usefulness of currently existing questionnaires. This systematic review compares the psychometric properties and content of questionnaires for assessment of sexual functioning in patients using antipsychotics. A systematic literature search was performed using three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO) with predefined search terms. We identified six validated instruments for assessment of sexual functioning in patients using antipsychotics: the Antipsychotic Non-Neurological Side Effects Rating Scale (ANNSERS), the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), the Antipsychotics and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (ASFQ), the Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire-14 (CSFQ-14), the Nagoya Sexual Function Questionnaire (NSFQ), and the Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire (PRSexDQ). The ASFQ, CSFQ-14, and PRSexDQ cover all stages of sexual functioning, which makes these questionnaires preferable to the other three questionnaires described. The ASFQ and PRSexDQ are clinician-administered and ask for a change in sexual functioning related to medication. The ASFQ assesses improvement as well as deterioration of sexual functioning, and includes items about hyperprolactinemia. The CSFQ-14 is useful when self-report is desired but contains more items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marrit K de Boer
- a Department of Psychiatry , University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen
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McDonagh LK, Bishop CJ, Brockman M, Morrison TG. A systematic review of sexual dysfunction measures for gay men: how do current measures measure up? JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2014; 61:781-816. [PMID: 24447131 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2014.870452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The measurement of subjective components of sexual functioning is of increasing importance in clinical research and practice. Differences have been reported in prevalence rates and experiences of sexual difficulties between heterosexual and gay men. The aim of this article is to identify reliable and valid measures of sexual dysfunction suitable for use with gay men. Seven measures were reviewed; details about item development, dimensionality, reliability, and validity are provided. Heteronormative and heterosexist wording were evident throughout. Several areas of concern emerged in relation to psychometric properties (e.g., questionable validity). No psychometrically robust sexual function measure was identified for use with gay populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine K McDonagh
- a Centre for Research on Occupational and Life Stress , National University of Ireland Galway , Galway , Ireland
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de Boer MK, Castelein S, Bous J, van den Heuvel ER, Wiersma D, Schoevers RA, Knegtering H. The Antipsychotics and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (ASFQ): preliminary evidence for reliability and validity. Schizophr Res 2013; 150:410-5. [PMID: 24064182 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to describe the psychometric properties of the Antipsychotics and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (ASFQ). Internal reliability, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, validity and sensitivity to change were calculated in a sample of 30 patients with schizophrenia or a schizophrenia spectrum disorder using antipsychotics. The ASFQ is a semistructured interview, with good face validity and content validity, that takes on average about 10min to complete. The ASFQ has good internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.84) and good test-retest reliability (mean Spearman's rho=.76). The inter-rater reliability is good for questions about libido, orgasm, erection and ejaculation. Correlation coefficients for calculating convergent validity were modest to good when comparing the ASFQ with the corresponding items on the Subject's Response to Antipsychotics (SRA) questionnaire and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). Based on preliminary evidence, it can be concluded that the Antipsychotics and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire has reasonable reliability and is available for clinical use and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marrit K de Boer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Kikuchi T, Iwamoto K, Sasada K, Aleksic B, Yoshida K, Ozaki N. Sexual dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia in Japanese schizophrenic patients taking antipsychotics. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 37:26-32. [PMID: 22172534 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2011] [Revised: 11/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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