Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients with Psychiatric Disorders: Women’s Mental Health and Sexuality

Background: Background studies highlight that Sexual dysfunction can be present in patients with psychiatric disorders. Aims & Objectives To assess profile of sexual dysfunction in female patients with psychiatric disorders. And To assess associated factors in female patients with psychiatric disorders. Material & Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 3 months at Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College. The inclusion criteria comprised of female adult married inpatients referred for psychiatry opinion. The patients were provided standard treatment and were offered to participate in the study. Those who were willing to participate in the study were administered the data collection form comprising of relevant variables. The data collection form comprised of variables such as demographic factors, psychosocial stressors, substance use, medical problems, comorbid psychiatry diagnosis, treatment received, etc. Data was collected on excel sheet and analyzed using SPSS. Institutional Ethics Committee permission was obtained. Results: A total of n=30 females fulfilling inclusion criteria were included. The study revealed that sexual dysfunction is prevalent n=14 (46.66%) of female subjects. Sexual problems related to drive were most common and reported in 42.86 % of patients. Sexual problems related to arousal were present in 21. 43% and 21.43% also reported problems related to orgasm. Overall, the most common psychiatric disorder was Mood disorder present in 36.67%. Conclusions: We found that prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 46.66% in our study. We suggest that sexual dysfunction can exist in female patients with psychiatric disorders and appropriate awareness and relevant clinical management may be considered.