RESIDENT: Sexual Dysfunction and Relationship Status in First Episode Psychosis
Presenting Author(s): Hassan Nawab
Co-Author(s): Morgan Glass, Thomas Raedler
Date and time: 23 Mar 2024 from 14:45 to 15:00
Location: Hawthorn C
Learning Objectives
1. Appreciate the significance of research on sexual dysfunction in first episode psychosis;
2. Appreciate the importance of screening for sexual dysfunction in individuals with psychotic illness;
3. Consider importance of discussing healthy sexual functioning with patients with psychosis.
Literature References
Keller A, McGarvey EL, Clayton AH. Reliability and Construct Validity of the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire Short-Form (CSFQ-14). J Sex Marital Ther [Internet]. 2006 Jan;32(1):43–52. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00926230500232909
2. Korchia T, Achour V, Faugere M, et al. Sexual Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. 2023;80(11):1110–1120. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.2696
3. Marques TR, Smith S, Bonaccorso S, Gaughran F, Kolliakou A, Dazzan P, et al. Sexual dysfunction in people with prodromal or first-episode psychosis. Br J Psychiatry [Internet]. 2012 Aug 2;201(2):131–6. Available from: https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S000712500027195X/type/journal_article
Abstract
Background:
Psychotic illness impacts many domains of functioning. In a chronic illness, the associations between illness and impairment can become very complex and may change over time. While there is a growing body of literature exploring sexual dysfunction in chronic schizophrenia, there have been few studies exploring this issue or its sequelae in first episode psychosis.
Objectives:
The goal of this study is to assess the frequency of sexual dysfunction in subjects with first episode psychosis. We will also assess the association between sexual dysfunction and relationship status in these individuals. Associations between sexual dysfunction, relationship status, and mental health will also be examined.
Method:
Forty-five patients were recruited from an early psychosis clinic in Calgary. Participants completed the validated 14-item Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14) and additional questions about recent romantic relationship history.
Results:
32 males (71.1%) and 13 females (28.9%) completed the CSFQ-14 questionnaire. The mean participant age was 24.8 years (SD = 3.8). 19 males (59.4%) and 4 females (30.8%) met CSFQ-14 threshold scores indicating sexual dysfunction. Females meeting CSFQ-14 criteria for sexual dysfunction reported greater rates of mental health issues impacting sexual functioning (r =0.830, p<0.05). Males who scored lower on desire/ frequency sub-scales reported greater mental health issues (r = -0.962, p<0.05). No significant
associations between sexual dysfunction and relationship status were noted.
Discussion:
Results will be discussed in terms of implications for our understanding of the etiologies of sexual dysfunction in psychotic illness. The current research will contribute to a better understanding of sexual and romantic function in the early stage of psychotic illness.