EPA-0124 - Sexual Function in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective:

This study surveys patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, to understand the relationship between sexual function and treatment with antipsychotic medication. The study compares patients on single versus multiple antipsychotics as well differences between first and second generation agents.

Design and methods:

Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder at Beth Israel Medical Center are eligible. Once patients are evaluated to ensure they meet enrollment criteria and are consented, they are administered the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), and either the International Index of Erectile Function for men, or the Female Sexual Function Index for women. Inclusion criteria include age 18-65, able to participate in a structured interview, fulfill DSM-IV criteria for Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective disorder, and on stable doses of one or more antipsychotic medications for at least six weeks. Exclusion Criteria include patients taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and inability to provide informed consent.

Results:

Presently, data suggests sexual function is impaired secondary to antipsychotic use. Further extrapolation of data is pending further enrollment.

Conclusions:

Preliminary results point to better sexual function with certain second generation antipsychotics. It also appears that patients on single antipsychotic may have better sexual function than patients on multiple agents.