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The Journal of Sexual Medicine Jun 2023Sexual dysfunction is thought to be highly prevalent in patients with psychiatric disorders. Factors such as the use of psychotropic substances (ie,...
BACKGROUND
Sexual dysfunction is thought to be highly prevalent in patients with psychiatric disorders. Factors such as the use of psychotropic substances (ie, psychopharmaceuticals and drugs), age, or somatic diseases may contribute to sexual problems, but the extent to which psychopathology itself affects sexual functioning is not well understood.
AIM
The study sought to provide an overview of the literature on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in psychotropic-free and somatic disease-free psychiatric patients.
METHOD
A systematic review (PRISMA [Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses]) was conducted by 2 authors (TH and AWMP) independently, with the review process being monitored by a third author. Relevant articles on the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and psychopathology were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO from inception until June 16, 2022. The study methods were entered in the international register of systematic reviews PROSPERO (2021, CRD42021223410).
OUTCOMES
The main outcome measures were sexual dysfunction and sexual satisfaction.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were identified, including a total of 1199 patients. These studies focused on depressive disorders (n = 9 studies), anxiety disorders (n = 7), obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD) (n = 5), schizophrenia (n = 4), and posttraumatic stress disorder (n = 2). No studies on bipolar disorder were found. Reported prevalence rates of sexual dysfunction in psychiatric disorders were 45% to 93% for depressive disorders, 33% to 75% for anxiety disorders, 25% to 81% for OCD, and 25% for schizophrenia. The most affected phase of the sexual response cycle was sexual desire, in both men and women with depressive disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Patients with OCD and anxiety disorders most frequently reported dysfunction in the orgasm phase, 24% to 44% and 7% to 48%, respectively.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction requires more clinical attention by means of psychoeducation, clinical guidance, sexual anamnesis, and additional sexological treatment.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This is the first systematic review on sexual dysfunction in psychotropic-free and somatic disease-free psychiatric patients. Limitations include the small number of studies, small sample sizes, the use of multiple questionnaires (some not validated), which may contribute to bias.
CONCLUSION
A limited number of studies identified a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with a psychiatric disorder, with substantial variation between patient groups in frequency and phase of reported sexual dysfunction.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Behavior; Schizophrenia; Libido; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 37279603
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad074 -
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B Aug 2017Sexual pharmacotoxicity renders patients with epilepsy at a risk for sexual dysfunction (SD). This study is aimed to analyze the relationship between sexual function and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Sexual pharmacotoxicity renders patients with epilepsy at a risk for sexual dysfunction (SD). This study is aimed to analyze the relationship between sexual function and topiramate to avoid topiramate-associated SD.
METHODS
A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was performed to elucidate any SD occurrence in patients receiving topiramate.
RESULTS
A total of 17 publications were reviewed. Based on limited polytherapy observational studies, the frequency of self-reported topiramate-associated SD, libido disorder, and orgasmic disorder in patients with polytherapy was 9.0%, 9.0%, and 2.6%, respectively (grade C evidence). Female patients mainly had anorgasmia, whereas male patients principally had erectile dysfunction. The daily dose of topiramate in patients with SD was within the recommended dose. Sexual adversity usually occurred from 4weeks after topiramate use but favorably subsided without eventful complications after topiramate substitution or dose reduction in all patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Topiramate can elicit different patterns of SD, especially anorgasmia in women and erectile dysfunction in men, even with a therapeutic dose. Detailed drug education and careful monitoring are necessary to maximize sexual health, especially in persons undergoing polytherapy and with other risks for SD. Moreover, a rapid response, such as substitution or reduction of the dose, is suggested when SD occurs during its use.
Topics: Adult; Anticonvulsants; Epilepsy; Erectile Dysfunction; Female; Fructose; Humans; Libido; Male; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Topiramate
PubMed: 28605628
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.05.014 -
NeuroRehabilitation 2017Stroke has multiple impacts on patients' sexual functioning, be it directly caused by the neurological lesion (s) or indirectly triggered via other psychophysiological... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Stroke has multiple impacts on patients' sexual functioning, be it directly caused by the neurological lesion (s) or indirectly triggered via other psychophysiological processes. Despite a growing number of publications, sexuality is still rarely addressed in the stroke literature - yet, patients have indicated their need for sexual rehabilitation services.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a literature review on post-stroke sexual functioning as well as available rehabilitation programs targeting patients' sexuality.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed using the following key words and their combination: "stroke", "sexuality", "stroke characteristics", "hemisphere", "sexual", and "sexual dysfunction".
RESULTS
Existing data suggests the existence of significant associations between stroke and male and female sexual dysfunction (SD) as well as desire/libido and sexual satisfaction. The exact contribution of patients' neurological profile (stroke laterality, location, and severity) on their SD remains inconclusive with research providing mixed findings. Psychological factors are shown to play a significant part in the development of patients' SDs. A few intervention programs have been developed to specifically guide health professionals when addressing patients' needs regarding their sexual recovery.
CONCLUSION
Sexual rehabilitation needs to be an integrative part of stroke patients' rehabilitation process, preferably at the interdisciplinary level.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexuality; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 29036839
DOI: 10.3233/NRE-001481 -
American Journal of Men's Health Mar 2018Amitriptyline is an old drug but is still prevalently used as the first-line treatment for a variety of common diseases. Surprisingly, knowledge of sexual risks with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Amitriptyline is an old drug but is still prevalently used as the first-line treatment for a variety of common diseases. Surprisingly, knowledge of sexual risks with amitriptyline comes from only one clinical trial and several case reports from three decades ago. In the current study, a systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) related to amitriptyline and sexual dysfunction (SD) was performed. The frequency, gender-difference, types, disease-specificity and time course of SD, and the relationship between SD and nonsexual adversity were studied. A total of 14 publications, including 8 qualified randomized clinical trials, were eligible. The frequency of SD in overall, male and female patients was 5.7, 11.9 and 1.7%, respectively. SD was six-fold higher in men than women. The frequency of SD was 6.9% in depressive patients compared with 0.8% in non-depressive patients ( p = .008), and gradually decreased at 8 weeks after treatment ( p = .02). Amitriptyline impacted arousal and libido more than orgasm and ejaculation in male patients but mainly libido in female patients. SD was significantly correlated with insomnia linearly whereas somnolence and nausea dually. Therefore, amitriptyline-associated SD mainly occurs in depressive and male patients, disturbs each phase of the sexual response cycle in men but mainly libido in women, gradually decreases under long-term treatment, and can be predicted by the co-existence of insomnia, somnolence or nausea during treatment. Clinicians should caution and tailor the gender and disease vulnerability of amitriptyline in their practice.
Topics: Amitriptyline; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Depression; Humans; Male; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
PubMed: 29019272
DOI: 10.1177/1557988317734519 -
Journal of Complementary & Integrative... Mar 2023Sexual dysfunction can adversely affect the quality of life and interpersonal relationships. nowadays, a lot of attention is paid to traditional Chinese medicine with... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Sexual dysfunction can adversely affect the quality of life and interpersonal relationships. nowadays, a lot of attention is paid to traditional Chinese medicine with better curative effects and less adverse events. Recent studies have implied the promising effect of acupuncture on sexual function. This systematic review evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in treating female and male sexual dysfunction.
CONTENT
PubMed, Cochrane Central of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched up to 2021. No limitation to language and date. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
SUMMARY
Among 160 initially assessed papers, 13 articles were included. The findings showed that acupuncture improve sexual dysfunction in domains of desire, libido, erectile dysfunction and impotency. Most studies did not report any serious side effects from acupuncture, and only three studies reported minor adverse events.
OUTLOOK
The available evidence indicate that acupuncture has positive on improvement of sexual dysfunction with no serious side effects. Although acupuncture has gained increasing popularity for the management of sexual dysfunction, high methodological quality evidence regarding its efficacy is lacking.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Acupuncture Therapy; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Erectile Dysfunction
PubMed: 34704431
DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2021-0194 -
The Journal of Rheumatology Feb 2015No consensus has been reached on sexual dysfunction in men with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Our study aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the sexual function... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
No consensus has been reached on sexual dysfunction in men with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Our study aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the sexual function and its clinical correlations in men with AS.
METHODS
A metaanalysis was performed and the related literature were searched in PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and in reference lists of articles and systematic reviews. Score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used as the outcome measurement, and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CI were calculated.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were included, including 535 men with AS and 430 male controls. Each domain of the IIEF score (erectile function: SMD -0.52, 95% CI -0.68 - -0.37; orgasmic function: -0.72, -1.03 - -0.42; sexual drive: -0.40, -0.62 - -0.18; intercourse satisfaction: -0.86, -1.15 - -0.56; and overall satisfaction: -0.61, -0.91 - -0.32) were lower in men with AS than in controls. In the subgroup analysis, the results did not change except for the sexual drive in the Asians group (-0.15, -0.42-0.13). At metaregression, no study characteristics were significantly associated with effect size of the IIEF score.
CONCLUSION
Sexual function is impaired in male patients with AS and further studies are necessary to better understand risk factors for sexual dysfunction in this population.
Topics: Humans; Libido; Male; Personal Satisfaction; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Spondylitis, Ankylosing
PubMed: 25448789
DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.140416 -
Role of Alternate Therapies to Improve the Quality of Life in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review.Journal of Mid-life Health 2023Middle aged women in majority undergoing menopausal symptoms are unaware of the physiological changes happening in their body, necessary lifestyle changes and alternate... (Review)
Review
Middle aged women in majority undergoing menopausal symptoms are unaware of the physiological changes happening in their body, necessary lifestyle changes and alternate therapies to overcome the symptoms. All major electronic sources of relevant information were systematically searched and collected data were pooled under specific subheadings. From the reviewed papers, the awareness on symptoms and related complications of menopause in the middle aged women were consolidated. Studies helped to identify alternative therapies replacing or in parallel with the Hormone Replacement Therapy to overcome the menopausal symptoms. Reduced oestrogen and progesterone level causes physiological, psychological, and genitourinary symptoms. Prolonged consequences cause libido, osteoporosis, and cardio vascular diseases. Hypo-estrogenic status is well managed with alternative therapies including dietary intervention, acupuncture, aromatherapy, exercise, and yoga. Dietary interventions involving foods like Fennel, Soy, Black Cohash, St. John Wort, Red Clover and Date Pollen were found to be managing vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Non-Hormonal and Non-Pharmacological impact behind acupuncture treatment was well accepted. Various studies proved inhaling and massaging with Lavender, Neroli oil, Fennel, Rose, and Geranium essential oils balance cortisol hormone and reduce stress and anxiety. Impact of yoga therapy on neurohormonal pathways reduce both psychological and physiological symptoms. Reviews summarizes various symptoms and complications during menopausal transition and alternate ways of better management with dietary intervention, yoga, exercise, aromatherapy, and acupuncture to improve the quality of menopausal women's life.
PubMed: 38312763
DOI: 10.4103/jmh.jmh_222_22 -
Best Practice & Research. Clinical... Sep 2022Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) have widespread and growing illicit use as image and performance enhancing drugs (IPED), predominantly in young men. Users trying to... (Review)
Review
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) have widespread and growing illicit use as image and performance enhancing drugs (IPED), predominantly in young men. Users trying to stop AAS are prone to distressing withdrawal symptoms which may trigger relapse in use. It is important to develop therapies to support AAS withdrawal. The illicit nature of AAS use has impeded the robust characterisation of its clinical withdrawal syndrome within any single study. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review summarising the available clinical studies describing symptoms associated with non-medically indicated AAS use, and AAS withdrawal. Reported clinical features of AAS withdrawal include headache, fatigue, myalgia, restlessness, insomnia, low mood and libido, anorexia, suicidal ideation, body image dissatisfaction, and steroid cravings; novel therapies for AAS withdrawal would need evaluation against these symptoms.
Topics: Anabolic Agents; Androgens; Humans; Male; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Steroids; Testosterone Congeners
PubMed: 35999138
DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2022.101691 -
BMJ Open Nov 2017To assess the relative effects of individual testosterone products among hypogonadal men. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relative effects of individual testosterone products among hypogonadal men.
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and grey literature (25 May 2017) for randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies (NRS) that involved hypogonadal men given testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for ≥3 months. Comparators were placebo, another TRT, or the same product at a different dose. Outcomes were quality of life, depression, libido, erectile function, activities of daily living and testosterone levels, as well as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes, serious adverse events, withdrawals due to adverse events and erythrocytosis. RCT data were pooled via meta-analysis and network meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias tool (RCTs) andScottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)50 (NRS).
RESULTS
Eighty-seven RCTs and 51 NRS were included. Most were at high or unclear risk of bias, with short treatment duration and follow-up. When compared as a class against placebo, TRT improved quality of life (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.26, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.11), libido (SMD 0.33, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.50), depression (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.44 to -0.01) and erectile function (SMD 0.25, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.41). Most individual TRTs were significantly better than placebo at improving libido (6/10). Only one TRT was better than placebo at improving quality of life, and no individual TRTs improved depression or erectile function. There was no increased risk of adverse events, with the exception of withdrawals due to adverse events with the use of some TRTs.
CONCLUSION
Despite a class effect of improving quality of life, depression, erectile function and libido, major improvements were not observed with the use of any individual product. We observed no statistically significant increase in the risk of adverse events; however, longer-term high-quality trials are needed to fully assess the risk of harm.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42014009963.
Topics: Androgens; Humans; Hypogonadism; Male; Network Meta-Analysis; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Testosterone
PubMed: 29150464
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015284 -
Erectile and Ejaculatory Dysfunction Associated with Use of Psychotropic Drugs: A Systematic Review.The Journal of Sexual Medicine Aug 2021Sexual dysfunction may be a side effect of treatment with antipsychotics, antidepressants, and other psychotropic drugs. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sexual dysfunction may be a side effect of treatment with antipsychotics, antidepressants, and other psychotropic drugs.
AIM
To review the evidence concerning male sexual dysfunctions in patients taking psychotropic drugs to provide specific information to nonpsychiatric physicians for the management of these dysfunctions.
METHODS
A systematic search of Medline and Embase databases was performed up to October 15, 2020. We included randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of psychotropic drugs versus placebo or versus another drug of the same class, for at least 5 weeks.
OUTCOMES
We considered studies whose male population could be evaluated separately from the female population and with a separate analysis of the different phases of the male sex cycle.
RESULTS
We included 41 studies in the final review. There was a significant association between sexual dysfunction and antidepressant drug therapy, compared to placebo (decreased libido OR 1.89, 95% CI:1.40 to 2.56, 22 series, 11 trials, 7706 participants; erectile dysfunction OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.31 to 3.97; 11 trials, 3008 participants; ejaculatory dysfunction OR = 7.31, 95% CI: 4.38 to 12.20,19 trials, 3973 participants). When the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were evaluated separately from those of serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), the use of SNRIs but not that of SSRIs was characterized by significantly higher odds of erectile dysfunction compared to placebo. Only limited data were found regarding the effects of antipsychotics on the phases of the male sexual cycle, as it was shown that aripiprazole and risperidone showed lower and higher odds for erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, respectively, compared to other atypical antipsychotics.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Treatment of male sexual dysfunction in patients taking psychotropics requires a basic knowledge of the different drugs that affect sexual function with different mechanisms.
STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS
The effects of psychotropic drugs on erectile function and ejaculation were evaluated separately. The great variability of the mechanisms of action makes it difficult to make comparisons between the effects of the different classes of psychotropic drugs.
CONCLUSIONS
Administration of antipsychotics affects male sexual function with different mechanisms, although the increase in prolactin values associated with the administration of first-generation antipsychotics and some atypical, such as risperidone, seems to play a primary role in determining male sexual dysfunction. Most antidepressants cause decreased libido, ejaculatory and erectile dysfunction, however the administration of SNRIs appears to be possibly associated with a specific risk of erectile dysfunction. Trinchieri M, Trinchieri M, Perletti G, et al. Erectile and Ejaculatory Dysfunction Associated with Use of Psychotropic Drugs: A Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2021;18:1354-1363.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents; Ejaculation; Erectile Dysfunction; Female; Humans; Male; Psychotropic Drugs; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 34247952
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.016