SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN FEMALE PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSIVE DISORDER ATTENDING PSYCHIATRIC OP IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Dr. Y. Arul Prakash, MD., DPM. and *Dr. A. Arul Mary Lubeeth, MD(Psy)

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Female sexual dysfunction is a condition with physical, psychological and personal determinants and hence a multifactorial problem. In India, talking about sex and issues related to sex is taboo and spouses are uncomfortable sharing their problems with each other. Aims and Objectives: To study the prevalence and types of sexual dysfunction in females patients suffering from depression and to correlate the association between depression and sexual dysfunction. Methodology: Seventy five females diagnosed with depressive disorder according to the DSM-IV-TR were assessed using three different methods which includes the Becks Depression Inventory, Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and Female Sexual Functioning Index. Results: In our study around (56%) had clinical sexual dysfunction. The types of sexual dysfunction were as follows; 31 (41%) had lubrication dysfunction, 28 (38%) had orgasmic dysfunction, 35 (47%) had pain, 25 (33.33%) had low desire, while decreased arousal and less sexual satisfaction was seen in 20 patients. There was statistically significant association between sexual dysfunction and depression. Conclusion: This study reported high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in females with depression. All domains of sexual functioning were affected and there was significant association between sexual dysfunction and depression.

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