Prevalence of Sexual Side Effects in Female Psychiatric Patients Taking Psychotropic Medications: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Many women experience sexual disorders or side effects due to factors such as age or medication use. The most common issues are lack of desire and inability to become aroused during sex. Women are more likely than men to suffer from sexual inefficiency, with a prevalence of 43% compared to 31% for men. This study aims to determine the prevalence and compare the types of sexual side effects of psychotropic medications in female psychiatric patients, while exploring the impact of socio-demographic factors and potential correlation with menstruation. Materials and Methods: An observational, prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on patients at the psychological medicine department of Dhiraj Hospital, SVDU. Patients with a history of psychiatric illness or those taking psychedelic medication for at least a month were included based on study criteria. The Female Sexual Function Index Scale was used, consisting of 19 questions divided into six domains representing sexual side effects in female patients: Desire, Arousal, Lubrication, Orgasm, Satisfaction, and Pain. Patient responses were collected and interpreted using the FSFI score to determine the final score. Results: According to the study, the prevalence of sexual problems varies among patients. Out of the population studied, 103 patients experienced desire problems, which accounts for 51.73% of the group. Arousal problems affected 110 patients, representing 55.23% of the population. Lubrication issues were reported by 138 patients, which represent a prevalence of 69.19%. The prevalence of orgasm problems was 62.25%, affecting 124 patients. A total of 164 patients suffered from satisfaction problems, resulting in a prevalence rate of 82.33%. In contrast, 120 patients reported pain, equating to a prevalence of 60.28%. Finally, the study found that 128 patients had a full score, which accounts for a prevalence rate of 64.26%. Conclusion: In summary, it is crucial to understand the sexual side effects that may arise due to psychotropic medication in women. This study highlights the prevalence of such side effects and the importance of addressing them to prevent additional stress on patients' mental health. Recognizing and discussing these potential side effects with healthcare providers can lead to better management of psychiatric conditions and improve the overall well-being of patients.