Pharmacological Advances in the Management of Sexual Dysfunction

Comorbidities of Female Patients with Sexual Dysfunction in a Psychiatry Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:

Previous studies showed the association of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) with various specific organic, psychiatric, and social factors separately, but rarely evaluated the extent of association of various disorders all together in cases of FSD.

Aim:

This study was conducted to explore the comorbidities associated with FSD from physical, psychiatric, and social perspectives.

Materials and Methods:

All female patients aged between 18 and 60 years reporting sexual problems to the psychiatry outpatient department were evaluated with Arizona sexual experiences scale for females. Their assessment included detailed medical and psychiatric history including the history of social contributing factors and medicine intake followed by physical and mental status examinations. Relevant biochemical investigations and hormonal assessments were done. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, linear regression analysis, and independent samples t tests.

Results:

Seventy-three females were diagnosed as cases of FSD according to the Arizona sexual experiences scale in one year. Among them, 1.37% had no comorbidity and the rest 98.63% had psychiatric comorbidities which were combined with physical comorbidities (mostly hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, and abnormal menstrual cycle) in 35.62% cases and social contributing factors (mostly husbands’ substance abuses and various family-related problems) in 32.88% cases. The duration of FSD predicted its severity.

Conclusion:

The severity of FSD increased with duration. Thus, all cases of FSD should be assessed early in detail for physical, psychiatric, and social contributing factors to treat them holistically. Psychiatrists should play a key role in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and referring them to the appropriate treatment providers.