EPV1593 - Impact of Atypical Antipsychotics on Sexual Dysfunction

EPV1593

Impact of Atypical Antipsychotics on Sexual Dysfunction

S. Aouadi ¹, A. Aissa ^1,*, Y. Ben othman ², A. Hlaoui ¹, R. Hosni ¹, R. Jomli ¹

¹Avicenne psychiatry, ²psychiatry, hospital Razi, tunis, Tunisia

 

Introduction: Atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) are commonly prescribed in psychiatry. However, their effects on sexual function remain underestimated, despite significantly impacting quality of life and treatment adherence.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) induced by AAPs in stabilized patients and to identify associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Avicenne Psychiatry Department at the El Razi Psychiatric Hospital in Tunis between January and April 2025. Thirty-six stabilized outpatients treated with AAPs were included. Data were collected using a pre-established form and two assessment tools: the Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire (SALSEX) and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 25.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 42 years (range: 28-66), with a male predominance (70.6%). 54% had not exceeded secondary school level, and 58% were unemployed with a low socioeconomic status. Regarding lifestyle habits, 94.1% of patients were smokers, and 94.1% consumed alcohol and cannabis. Clinically, 29.4% of patients were diagnosed with type 1 bipolar disorder, 29.4% with schizophrenia, 17.6% with type 2 bipolar disorder, and 21.6% with schizoaffective disorder.
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 42%, distributed as 31% moderate and 15% severe. Among the affected patients, 47% were in a relationship, of whom 16% reported marital conflicts. However, no significant correlation was found between marital conflicts and SD (p = 0.569). Furthermore, 47% had no sexual education, while 53% had a "taboo" based education, with no significant link to SD (p = 0.226).
Analysis of treatments revealed that 26% of patients were on clozapine, 26% on risperidone, 47% on olanzapine, and 10% on amisulpride. A significant association was observed between SD and risperidone (p = 0.041) and a trend towards significance with amisulpride (p = 0.067). In contrast, no significant correlation was found with the other AAPs.

Conclusions: Atypical antipsychotics present a differential risk for SD, with a more pronounced impact observed with risperidone and amisulpride. Systematic evaluation of these side effects is essential to optimize treatment adherence and patient quality of life.

 

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared