The schizoaffective disorder is multifactorial. Several factors almost unquestioned, even indisputable, participate in the episodes’ decompensation and affect various fields: biological, pharmacological or neurobiochemical.

Draw up the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients treated for schizoaffective disorder and determine the role of life events in the onset of the disorder.

This is a retrospective study of 52 patients hospitalized in the psychiatric department of Mahdia diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder according to DSM-IV-TR during the period from January 2014 until June 2014. The information was collected using a preset sheet with 35 items.

A total of 52 records was gathered. The average age was 38 years. The sample was predominantly male, of rural origin in 61.5% of cases. The level of education was low in 59.6% of cases. More than half were without profession and single in 46.2% of cases. The mean age at onset of the disorder was 25.2 years. The presence of life events preceding the onset of the disorder was noted in 22 patients, that to say, 42.3% of the sample. Family and emotional events were most frequently encountered with respective rates of 48.2 and 24.7%, followed by the professional events (20%) and social ones (6%).

Life events are due to chance but also to the environment. The complexity of the “event” concept was again underlined in a new perspective, breaking social rhythms.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Despite the assumption that the EEG parameters in schizophrenia may be predictive for the treatment outcome, there are only a small number of such studies present. We hypothesised that the characteristics of the changes in EEG rhythms during cognitive load might differ in the first episode of psychosis and remission being dependent on the stage of the illness.

The EEG rhyths spectral power (SP) in the resting state and their changes during the performance of spatial logical task in 25 first-episode psychosis patients (FEP) and same patients in remission (REM) after 6–18 months were analysed. Control group included healthy subjects matched with patient group by gender, age and years of education.

The resting state SP values did not differ in FEP and REM. When performing a task, FEP theta SP was decreased compared to the resting state values in F7, F8, P3, T6 sites (P < 0.05), while gamma2 SP was increased in Fz (P < 0.001) and Pz (P < 0.01). REM theta, alpha, and beta1 SP was decreased in the same way as in norm in all sites (P < 0.05). Gamma2 SP increase was found in sites Fp1, F8, Fz (P < 0.05). FEP theta and beta1 SP changes during cognitive load positively correlated with the PANSS scales (delusions, thought disorders, hallucinations). REM did not have significant correlations between SP and PANSS parameters.

The analysed REM EEG characteristics differ less from the norm than the FEP. Based on the results, the performance of the task is related to the stage of the illness.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Belief inflexibility (BI) has been considered as a crucial factor for delusional conviction, but less is known about other dimensions of delusional beliefs. Question has been raised regarding the extent to which BI distinguishes delusions from strongly held (non-deluded) personally meaningful beliefs.

We examined the association between BI and major dimensions of delusional beliefs/non-clinical personally meaningful beliefs, and compared results from two BI measures (Maudsley assessment of delusions schedule [MADS] and bias against disconfirmatory evidence [BADE] task).

Idiosyncratic delusional beliefs from 40 outpatients with non-affective psychosis and personally meaningful beliefs from 30 healthy controls were assessed in an interview. Belief dimensions (conviction, preoccupation, and distress) and BI were measured.

Compared with controls, patients reported higher levels of distress and preoccupation but a comparable level of conviction (3.30/4 vs. 3.00/4, t(66.967) = 1.928. P = n.s.). Patients exhibited lower belief flexibility than controls on MADS but not on BADE. In patients, delusional conviction was associated with lower flexibility on a MADS item (“possibility of being mistaken”: t(38) = 4.808, P < 001) and the BADE evidence integration index (r = 0.463, P = 01). In healthy controls, belief conviction was associated with lower flexibility on a MADS item (“reaction to hypothetical contradiction”: t(27) = 3.345, P=.002). Two-way ANOVA revealed that the association between possibility of being mistaken and conviction was stronger in patients than controls (F(1) = 6.718, P = 012). In both groups, BI on either measure did not correlate with distress or preoccupation.

BI was specifically associated with belief conviction. The association was significant for both groups, and was stronger in patients than controls.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Despite the outstanding breakthroughs in medical sciences, breast cancer is still regarded as one of the most important diseases, worldwide. This condition is also the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of death.

This study aimed to investigate on sexual satisfaction among breast cancer patients

This review article has written by more than 32 published papers in websites during 2008 until 2016.

Esfandiari et al. (2015) have done a study about a comparison of marital satisfaction, public health and body image among normal subjects and breast cancer patients with breast evacuation and conservation in Tehran, Iran. The result of this study showed that women with breast cancer were significantly different from normal subjects in terms of marital satisfaction, mental health and body image.

Rezaipour et al. (2004) has done a study about relationship between women's experience of orgasm and marital relation satisfaction in health care centers of Arak. This result showed there was a relationship between women's orgasm experience and the amount of satisfaction from marital relation.

Nekoueifard and Jahangiry (2014) have done a study about sexual function among patients with breast cancer in Tehran. In their study, there was a meaningful and direct relationship between type of surgery and sexual satisfaction. The results of that study show that disease and treatment have a considerable influence on marital relationship.

It seems that dealing with marital satisfaction of women during the early stages of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is a necessary for mental health.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

We describe the case of a 50 years old woman who attended the emergency room for complaints that involves continuous orgasms in the last two months that she describes “as waves”. The woman is a widow and claims not to have had sexual relationships since her husband died four years ago.

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a relatively unknown clinical condition affecting several women. Moral standards, as well as conservative beliefs regarding sexuality, are believed to be involved in the etiology and maintenance of this syndrome. Nevertheless, there are no consistent data on the content of the beliefs system presented by these women.

PGAD It has been identified as a condition of often unprovoked genital arousal associated with a significant level of distress.

PGAD is not well understood, and no definitive cause has been determined.

Our main objective was to review the literature on PGAD, identify possible causes of the disorder, and provide approaches to the assessment and treatment of the disorder based on the authors’ experience and recent literature.

PGAD is a potentially debilitating disorder of unwanted genital sensation and arousal that is generally spontaneous and unrelenting. Since its first description in 2001, many potential etiologies and management strategies have been suggested. PGAD likely represents a range of conditions manifesting in unwanted genital sensations. Successful treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach and consideration of all reversible causes as well as cognitive therapy.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Women with mental illness are a disadvantaged group both in terms of their gender and because of their mental disorders, and they experience serious problems related to reproductive health.

The high rates of unplanned and unwanted pregnancies among women with schizophrenia underscore the importance of understanding their attitudes and practices related to family planning. Different studies reveal that even though many sexually active women with serious mental illnesses do not want to become pregnant, they do not use birth control.

Release last data about contraception methods among patients with severe mental illness after doing a bibliographical review. Also reflect present setup in Motril day hospital women patients and their relationship with sexuality and contraception. At the same time we intend to clarify and unify the proceedings on ethical problems respecting subject's autonomy, beneficence, qualification and minors’ protection.

Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire based on the literature and prepared by the researchers which was designed to determine the kinds of reproductive health issues the patients were experiencing.

It was found that female patients with psychiatric disorders had more negative attributes with regard to contraception approach and sexuality compared with a corresponding healthy population.

We reached an agreement about future contraception approaches in Motril day hospital users as part of the global treatment offered in our section.

Hospital gynaecology service has facilitated the proceedings for contraceptive subcutaneous implants insertion in those indicated women.

Day hospital patients were instructed individually and through group work about healthy sexuality.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Societal changes in the last decades led to the arise of new paradigms on gender equity. Studies addressing fertility/infertility issues have been conducted mainly in women and in this research area, male partners have deserved less attention. More recently there has been a major focus on the idea that fertility/infertility aspects have to be conceptualized from a couples’ perspective.

The current study sought to explore attitudes towards gamete donation and surrogacy in a sample of young men in reproductive age.

A total of 111 males with ages ranging from 18 to 40 years old and without children completed an online questionnaire addressing attitudes towards gamete donation and surrogacy.

The majority of participants (77.3%) would be willing to donate their sperm, and their main motivation for doing that would be to feel “happy to help a couple struggling to have a child”. Participants stated that the likelihood of donating would increase if they were able to attend counseling, to complete the procedure in an IVF center located in their residence area, and being provided with more information about infertility. Regarding surrogacy 82% are in favor of this procedure legalization and 49.5% would be willing to use it if they needed.

Men showed a positive attitude towards sperm donation and surrogacy, emphasizing the importance of counseling and information availability on these topics. This may suggest that they are willing to get involved when fertility issues are addressed.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The term “sexual minority” includes a variety of gender and sexual identities and expressions that differ from cultural norms. Usually, sexual minorities are comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

Definition of the correct terminology for sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, gender identity, gender expression and gender dysphoria.

Literature review concerning researched articles published in Pubmed/Medline as well as related bibliography.

Human sexuality is a broad concept that embodies interaction among anatomy, hormones, physiology, psychology, interpersonal relationships and sociocultural influences.

Healthcare providers can support sexual minorities by normalizing sexuality throughout childhood, early identification of gender or sexual orientation nonconformity and associated psychosocial and health concerns, helping parents support their child, assisting with decisions about disclosure and providing educational resources to the community.

This work focuses on providing more awareness about this topic and reducing stigma associated with sexual minorities.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Sexual dysfunctions are frequent in patients with mental illnesses. In particular, anxious and depressive symptomatology often impacts on sexual functioning.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sexual function and psychological symptoms in a group of male patients with depression and anxiety disorders.

From outpatients program, we consecutively recruited a group of 46 males: 28 patients had major depression and 18 anxiety disorders. Then, we administered two self-report psychometric tools to assess male sexuality, depression and anxiety, i.e., international index of erectile function (IIEF-15), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). t-tests and Pearson correlations were performed.

We found significantly higher score in terms of desire and general sexual wellness in people with anxiety disorder compared to people with depression. However, we found more significant correlations among depressive/anxious symptomatology and sexual impairment in males with anxiety disorders compared to males with depression.

Our results revealed that males diagnosed with depression show a decrease of sexual desire, as a vast part of literature previously affirmed. On the contrary, the relationship between psychological symptomatology and sexual dysfunction, as the reduction of erectile function, was higher in males with anxiety disorders. This difference is probably due to a major iatrogenic effect of antidepressive treatments in depressed patients, while in anxious patients could be the psychological state, per se, the main cause of sexual dysfunctions.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Mood stabilizers can cause many side effects. Although many of these are well known, like thyroid and renal failure after taking lithium, sexual dysfunction side effects remains unclear.

We made a systematic computerized literature search of clinical studies using MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library and Trip for clinical studies of sexual dysfunction published up to December 2015.

Only eight relevant papers were identified. All of them studied lithium sexual dysfunction in bipolar disorder patients. Valproic acid, carbamazepine and lamotrigine were not studied in patients with bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, the three were studied in epilepsy. Clinical reports usually used Arizona Sexual Experience Scale or Psychotropic Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire to measure sexual dysfunction and Brief Adherence Rating Scale to measure medication adherence. They suggest lithium could decrease desire and sexual thoughts, worse arousal and cause orgasm dysfunction. In overall, those patients with sexual dysfunction had lower level of functioning and poor compliance. Taking benzodiazepines during lithium treatment may increase the risk of sexual dysfunction even more.

There are few studies that focus on mood stabilizers sexual dysfunction. This inevitably entails a number of limitations. First, the small sample size and, in some studies, the relative short period of follow-up may underestimate the results. Besides, practical management was not treated in any study. Actually, handling this side effect have not been well established.

To conclude, this revision suggest that approximately 30% patients receiving lithium experience this side effect, and it is associated with poor medication adherence.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disease with multiple facets. In a few decades, this syndrome has gone from a purely gynaecological domain to sexology one; PCOS is thus considered a systemic disease. However, the domain of sexuality continues to be neglected. The aim of our study was: assessing women's sexuality with PCOS by comparing them to a sample correlated with the age of control subjects. We performed a cross-sectional study of case-control, conducted between October and November 2015.

Data was collected by oral questionnaire proposed to women whose anonymity was respected. To assess the sexuality we used the “female sexual function index” (FSFI) developed by Rosen et al.

The average BMI of the patients was 30.2 ± 6.3 kg/m2, with a range of 17.2 to 43.5 kg/m2. The average frequency of sexual intercourse per week was 1.6 ± 0.5 for patients and 2.1 ± 0.9 for the controls. The scores used in this study show that 90% of sexual dysfunction exists in women with PCOS For controls, a sexual dysfunction was found in 40% of cases.

All aspects of sexuality were affected (desire, arousal, orgasm and satisfaction). The lowest scores were found in the following areas: arousal, lubrication and orgasm.

The therapist during a consultation for a patient with PCOS should check her psychological state. Also, asking the patient about her sex life should be part of the monitoring of the disease.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Dual Control Model (DCM) is one of the contemporary concepts of mechanisms rooted in the central nervous system that control human sexual behaviors. The DCM holds promise for application both in scientific settings and, although at the moment limited, clinical practice. A number of psychometric tools, i.e. the SIS/SES, SES II-W and SES II-W/M questionnaires based on the DCM theoretical assumptions have been developed.

A total of 309 women aged 18–45 were eligible for the study. Inclusion criteria were met by 214 individuals who were included in the further analysis. Sexual excitation/sexual inhibition inventory for women (SESII-W) was used to evaluate sexual inhibition and sexual excitation. Semi-structure interview was used to evaluate sexual function in investigated individuals. Correlation between risky sexual behaviors, FSD and SE/SE was measured.

Among the women, 28.5% were diagnosed with FSD, with orgasmic dysfunction being the most common, 11.2%. Engaging in risky sexual behavior (having multiple sexual partners and one-night-stand sexual relationships, sexual intercourse with persons known to be HIV-positive, drug users or prostitutes, unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex, sex for money or drugs and sexual activity while using alcohol and/or psychoactive substances) was associated with higher sexual excitation scores and lower sexual excitation scores of SESII-W. In contrast, the presence of FSD were negatively correlated with SE and positively with SI.

Dual control model might be a good model describing different sexual behaviors in the population of women.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Dual control model of the sexual response (DCM) indicates, that there are two separate, but cooperating systems of sexual excitation and inhibition. Previous studies using DCM concept have shown, that MSM (men having sex with men) had higher excitation (SES) and one of the types of inhibition (SIS1) levels, in comparison to the exclusively heterosexual men. MSM also reported more frequent occurrence of sexual disorders (erectile disorders, premature ejaculation and decreased sexual desire).

Comparison of the MSM and heterosexual men groups in order to verify erenow observed differences in sexual excitation/inhibition propensity and prevalence of sexual problems.

The sample consisted of two groups: 47 heterosexual men and 60 MSM. The participants have anonymously filled up questionnaires (Polish version of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales SIS/SES and the author's survey) via internet. Then statistical analysis was executed.

Our findings have shown, that both groups were similar in their propensities for sexual excitation (SES) and inhibition due to the risks of failure in sexual performance (SIS1), while MSM scored higher on the inhibition scale, related to the threat of negative consequences of sexual response (SIS2). Heterosexual men more frequently suffered from premature ejaculation and less commonly reported decreased desire. There were no differences in the erectile disorders report between MSM and heterosexual men.

Our findings are mostly in conflict with previous DCM studies results. Several issues, just like method of sexual orientation assessment or cultural differences may had its impact on such results. More detailed studies on these issues are required.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

Sexuality is a very important human dimension which contributes to psychosocial well-being and psychosexual variables, such as sexual self-esteem, sexual anxiety and sexual depression, can affect sexual functioning; however, there are few studies that demonstrate this relationship.

To assess the psychosexual variables and sexual performance levels in a sample of adults, and verify and determine the degree of association between sexual functioning and self-esteem, anxiety and sexual depression.

The study included 422 adults that were sexually active (who had sex in the previous month); 265 (62.8%) were women and 149 (35.3%) were men, who filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire and scales related to sexuality and sexual functioning, Sexuality Scale and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire Short Form (CSFQ 14), broadcast over the internet.

The results obtained allowed to know the relationships between the variables and psychosexual sexual functioning, and was statistically significant correlation between the two dimensions and significant differences between the correlation when comparing gender and sexual orientation.

This study allows us to highlight the importance of psychosexual variables in sexual functionality expression, in the sense that those working in the area of sexuality should be aware of how the human psyche interferes with sexual manifestation.

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

The increasing prevalence of obesity represents a major public health problem, with can effect on physical and emotional well-being and psychosocial function. Somatic and psychological dysfunctions, such as infertility, osteoarthritis, social disabilities caused by stigmatization, sleeping problems or apnea, are also known to follow obesity. Sexual dysfunction (SD) may also be related to obesity, but is rarely mentioned, and may cause concern for the affected individual and partner, constituting a great problem.

The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of SD among obese women.

Our study concerned 42 obese married women consulting in endocrinology department. Obesity was defined by body mass index (BMI) ≥30. All participants assessed a sociodemographic data and the “Female Sexual Function Index” (FSFI). FSFI is a 19-item multidimensional self-reporting measure that quantifies six domains of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Score ≤26 indicate the presence of FSD.

The mean age was 33.6 years (20 → 47 years). The mean total score of FSFI was 22.5 (3.2 → 32.6). The percentage of SD among obese women was 68.2%. FSFI score was correlated to ancient obesity (P = 0.026; r = 0.347) and waist circumference (P = 0.007; r = 0.412). High socio-economic level was correlated to desire and satisfaction (P = 0.021 and P = 0.048 respectively). Women with high educational level have better blurbification (P = 0.005). FSFI score was not correlated to BMI or obesity class.

Almost two-thirds of obese women have sexual dysfunctions. Women with ancient obesity and higher waist circumference seemed to have better sexual functions.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

In 2011, Anil Aggrawal proposed ten-point classification system of zoophilia, based on forensic literature review.

(1) Allow for conceptualization and improved management of zoophilic patients in clinical practice or forensic examinations, (2) describe identity of modern-day zoophiles, including demographics and psycho-social profile, and (3) determine normative and pathologic traits and behaviours.

A qualitative observational study of user activity (n = 958) on discussion forums, combined with brief demographic survey. Data were analyzed according to principles of grounded theory. Surveys of own design (demographic, discreet + open ended questions) were answered by 350 participants. Presented data show aggregate conclusions from mixed methods qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Proposed classification system categorizes zoos as either classic, sexual, romantic, or platonic. Relationship goals of classic and romantic zoos are reminiscent of those typical of human partnership, differentiated by the commitment and psychological distress level (romantic zoos, affectionate relationship goals outweigh sexual pursuit; classic zoos, romantic and sexual urges cause distress rather than pleasure). Sexual zoos show high prevalence of hypersexuality traits. Platonic zoos are typically confused about the roots of their sexuality. Contrary to common perceptions, prevalence of sexual sadism is extremely low (<1% in our study). Sociopathic traits determine propensity for animal cruelty, which is not synonymous with typical zoophilia. Half of respondents were in committed relationship with human partner, whom they frequently attempted to “convert” into practicing zoophile.

We can categorize zoophiles into four sub-types. Emotional attachment and sexual urges play equal role in bonding with animal partner.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Accessibility of the Internet allows people to connect anonymously and without boundaries – features particularly important for people with relatively rare sexual preference such as paraphilia.

To (1) allow for conceptualization and improved management of zoophilic patients in clinical practice or forensic examinations, (2) analyze how zoophiles network using online discussion forums, and (3) describe main goals of digital networking.

A qualitative observational study of user activity (n = 958) on discussion forums, combined with brief demographic survey. Data were analyzed according to principles of grounded theory. Next, surveys of own design (demographic, discreet + open ended questions) were answered by 350 participants. Presented data show aggregate conclusions from mixed methods qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Zoophiles (or, zoos) use Internet to connect with other zoophiles (26.6% to have casual sex, 17.7% for dating, and 17% to exchange pornography). Connections are easiest to be established in countryside, where zoophilia clusters. In fact, there are village communities of zoos where explicit sharing of animal sexual partner(s) (28%) and/or voyeurism (30%) serve as bonding ritual. Over 40% of zoophiles are reluctant to meet other zoos in person, since they view them as “weird”, pointing to phenomenon of internalized stigmatization due to having non-normative sexuality. Online forums are also used by zoophiles to exchange information about which districts are at risk of becoming a target of social ostracism.

People with zoophilia use digital communities to network, meet for sex, find dating partners and for own safety reasons.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

We explore relationship-seeking behaviour of zoophiles (zoos), using Francoeur's (1991) definition of sexual orientation (as consisting of affection orientation, sexual fantasy orientation, and erotic orientation).

This study intends to be the largest in recent decades’ comprehensive analysis of self-identified zoophiles, living on all five continents. It describes similarities and differences between normative sexual orientations (hetero- and homo-) and zoophilic sexuality, using Francoeur's (1991) framework.

A qualitative observational study of user activity (n = 958) on discussion forums, combined with brief demographic survey. Data were analyzed according to principles of grounded theory. Next, surveys of own design (demographic, discreet + open ended questions) were received by n = 350 participants. Presented data show aggregate conclusions from mixed methods qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Trend analysis yielded four main discussions among zoophiles – worldview, personal space, sex life, and online space. Within worldview category, zoos overwhelmingly discuss bad press (55%), as well as social (41%) and legal (22%) ostracism. In personal space, the primary concern is coming at easy with own sexuality (>60%) and forming lasting relationship with either human, animal, or both partners simultaneously. In terms of sex life, zoos are concerned with improving sex play (>40%) and figuring out legality of sexual encounters with animals (22%). Concerning online space, the biggest concern here is networking (40%) and meeting other zoos for dating (15%).

Modern zoophiles have a wide array of personal, social, legal, and sex life challenges that can be approximated using qualitative studies.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.