AbstractSexual dysfunction is a prevalent yet often overlooked issue in individuals with psychiatric disorders, affecting their quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being. While sexual dysfunction is commonly associated with physical health problems, its strong connection with psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD, and bipolar disorder is becoming increasingly recognized. This review explores the complex mechanisms linking psychiatric disorders with sexual dysfunction, which include psychological, neurobiological, and pharmacological factors. Psychological mechanisms, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, can diminish sexual desire, arousal, and performance, often leading to sexual avoidance or dysfunction. Neurobiological mechanisms, particularly imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, further contribute to sexual impairment in individuals with psychiatric disorders. Additionally, psychotropic medications, including SSRIs, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines, are well-documented to have sexual side effects, complicating the management of both psychiatric and sexual health.
Assessing sexual dysfunction in psychiatric patients requires an integrated approach involving psychiatric evaluation, clinical interviews, and standardized questionnaires. These tools help identify sexual concerns and distinguish between dysfunction caused by psychiatric conditions or medications. Treatment strategies for managing sexual dysfunction in psychiatric disorders are multifaceted and include both pharmacological and psychological interventions. Pharmacological approaches aim to mitigate medication-induced sexual dysfunction or address underlying psychiatric conditions, while psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and sex therapy focus on addressing the psychological barriers to healthy sexual function. An integrated, multi-disciplinary approach combining these strategies is most effective in improving sexual function and overall mental health. Clinical trials and research studies further support the need for personalized treatment plans and emphasize the benefits of addressing sexual dysfunction in patients with psychiatric disorders.
