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

International audienceBackgroundSexual 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.AimsThe objectives of the present study were to determine the SD prevalence in stabilized SZ outpatients and their clinical, pharmacological and biological correlates.MethodTwo 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.ResultsTwo 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.ConclusionsSD 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