Psychotropics and sexual dysfunction

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common in patients taking antipsychotics, and is the most bothersome symptom and adverse drug effect compromising treatment compliance. Mechanisms involved in psychotropics–induced SD are either largely unknown or poorly understood. The aim of this review is to present an updated analysis of SD associated with the use of psychotropic drugs in psychiatric patients. RESULTS: Contemporary evidence from available studies demonstrates that SD rates are drug–related rather than drug–class specific, and that these rates vary widely. Mechanisms involved in psychotropics–induced SD are either largely unknown or poorly understood. Our understanding of psychotropics–induced SD is limited by the inability to differentiate whether these effects are really drug–induced or due to different inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Rigorous research, basic and clinical, is needed to understand the exact incidence, severity and mechanisms involved in the development of SD induced by various psychotropic treatment regimens.