[Sexual behaviour in schizophrenic patients: the impact of antipsychotics]

Encephale. 2006 Oct;32(5 Pt 1):697-704. doi: 10.1016/s0013-7006(06)76221-2.
[Article in French]

Abstract

In spite of the frequency of sexual dysfunction in schizophrenic patients and antipsychotic-treated schizophrenic patients, few studies have been performed. The relationship of schizophrenia to sexual pathology is variable and complex, and of course different between men and women. Few evaluation methods have been proposed or validated. Antipsychotics may improve some aspects of sexual behaviour in schizophrenic patients. However, sexual dysfunction is also a possible side effect of these drugs. The evaluation of antipsychotics is often restricted to prolactin measurement, the relationship with sexual disorders of which has not been fully established. Preliminary data suggest that the capacity to induce sexual disorders differs from one antipsychotic to another. The available data on the mechanisms of sexual dysfunction, the pharmacological profile and the sexual effects of classical neuroleptics (haloperidol and thioridazine) and second generation antipsychotics available in France (amisulpride, clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine) are reviewed.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Erectile Dysfunction / chemically induced
  • Erectile Dysfunction / epidemiology
  • Female
  • France
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior / drug effects*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / chemically induced*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / diagnosis
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / epidemiology
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / psychology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents