Sexual dysfunction in male schizophrenia remitted patients treated with risperidone and olanzapine

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect experienced by patients treated with antipsychotics. Second generation antipsychotics are preferred because of their low propensity to cause side effects, but second generation antipsychotics like risperidone and olanzapine cause sexual side effects, which affects treatment compliance and lead to marked agony and interpersonal problems. There is wide difference in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction caused by risperidone and olanzapine. Studies from India are very few to make a definite conclusion. AIM: Our aim was to assess the prevalence and correlates of sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia remitted male patients treated with risperidone and olanzapine. And to check for association between sexual dysfunction and duration of treatment. METHODOLOGY: A consecutive sample of 70 male schizophrenia remitted patients treated with Risperidone or Olanzapine who satisfy the inclusion and exclusion criteria attending the outpatient psychiatry department were recruited in the study. The patients were assessed with socio-demographic proforma, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale was used to assess clinical stability. Clinical information sheet and ICD- 10 DCR was used to make a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale was used to assess the sexual dysfunction. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Categorical and quantitative variables were expressed as frequency(percentage) and mean+/- SD respectively. Chi- square test was used to find association between categorical variables. RESULT: Among the 70 male patients 35 were on treatment with risperidone and 35 were on treatment with olanzapine. 71.4% of Risperidone treated patients and 45.7% of olanzapine treated patients experienced sexual dysfunction. In risperidone treated patients most common sexual dysfunction was difficulty in getting and keeping erection (45.7%) while in olanzapine dysfunction with sexual drive (25.7%). We could not get an association between duration of treatment and sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction is common in male schizophrenia remitted patients treated with risperidone and olanzapine and it is highest with risperidone compared with olanzapine. Clinicians should ask and systematically evaluate for the sexual side effect associated with these antipsychotics and address it or else it may lead to noncompliance with treatment;