Sexual dysfunctions are associated with major depression, chronic inflammation and anticholinergic consumption in the real-world schizophrenia FACE-SZ national cohort

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunctions (SD)are frequent in schizophrenia (SZ)and associated with treatment withdrawal, however they remain under-explored and under-treated. To date, most of the studies have focused on SD as antipsychotics' side effects in therapeutic trials. Aims: The objectives of the present study were to determine the SD prevalence in stabilized SZ outpatients and their clinical, pharmacological and biological correlates. Method: Two hundred and thirty-seven participants (61.2% men)were consecutively included and received a thorough 2 days- clinical assessment including the self-reported Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ). SD was defined by a SFQ score ≥ 8. Results: Two hundred and thirty-seven subjects were recruited in the FACE-SZ cohort, 41% of them reported sexual dysfunctions. In multivariate analyses, SD have been associated with current major depressive disorder (adjusted odd ratio aOR = 2.29[1.08–4.85], p =.03), anticholinergic prescription (aOR = 2.65, p =.02)and chronic low-grade inflammation (aOR = 2.09, p =.03)independently of age, gender, current cannabis use disorder and olanzapine prescription. No antipsychotic has been associated with increased or decreased SD rate. Conclusions: SD are frequent in SZ subjects. Major depression, anticholinergic prescription and chronic low-grade peripheral inflammation may be the three targets of interest for addressing this specific issue.