Antipsychotic drugs and sexual function [Abstract]

Background: Sexual function is an important aspect of human experience, which may significantly contribute to quality of life in patients with schizophrenia (Aizenberg et al., 1995). Antipsychotic drugs can impact upon sexual function.Methods: A randomised controlled trial compared the impact of atypical versus conventional drugs on sexual function and quality of life in 48 patients with schizophrenia, taking conventional drugs at baseline. The measures used were the self-report Derogatis interview for sexual function (Derogatis, 1997) and Heinrichs QLS (Heinrichs, 1984). Assessments were carried out at baseline and 12 weeks after a switch from conventional antipsychotic treatment to either a conventional or an atypical antipsychotic drug.Results: A statistically significant increase was found for Derogatis total score at 12-week assessment, compared to baseline, for patients randomised to an atypical antipsychotic drug, compared to patients receiving a conventional agent, using the baseline score as a covariate (F = 6.684, p = 0.014). No statistically significant changes in quality of life scores were seen over the same time period in either group.Conclusion: These findings suggest that switching from conventional to atypical antipsychotic treatment results in improved sexual function. No change in sexual function was seen in patients who switched from one conventional drug to another. The improvement in sexual function was not linked to an improvement in measured quality of life