Loss of Libido in a Woman With Schizophrenia

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction is common among women with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic medication. Multiple factors influence sexual function and reproductive health in this patient population, including the effects of medications on prolactin secretion and the complexities of making contraceptive decisions in the context of a serious mental illness. The author explores the causes and management of loss of libido as illustrated by a case vignette and describes the course and outcome of a clinical intervention that was implemented to alleviate the sexual dysfunction. Possible approaches and potential pitfalls of the intervention are described. Clinicians must be open to discussions regarding sexual concerns, relationships with sexual partners, and reproductive issues with women suffering from schizophrenia. Both patients and clinicians need to be aware of unintended effects of intervention. Opportunities exist for improved education among clinicians to achieve a more proactive approach to sexual health in women receiving antipsychotic medication.

Prolactin and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels and Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Schizophrenia Treated with Conventional Antipsychotic Medication: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to have sexual dysfunction [11,34]. However, only a small number of patients spontaneously report sexual dysfunction to their physicians, which indicates that most patients are reluctant to discuss these problems, even though sexual dysfunction has an influence on the quality of life.…”

Women who suffer from schizophrenia: Critical issues

“…Reproductive health includes sexual health (libido, sexual function, the ability to establish and maintain sexual relationships)[ 99 , 164 , 165 ], menstrual health[ 47 , 125 , 166 ], the preservation of fertility[ 167 , 168 ], contraception[ 12 ], prenatal care[ 122 ], pregnancy[ 18 , 169 ], postpartum care[ 170 ] and lactation support[ 171 ], parenting support and training groups, home visiting, peer support, respite care[ 111 , 112 , 172 , 173 ], and menopausal care[ 49 , 50 , 83 , 174 ].…”

Sexuality and Quality of Life in Eastern Taiwan People With Schizophrenia

“…In male PwS their sexual activity if often limited to masturbation, due to negative symptoms that limit their ability to maintain relationships. Seeman's study also point out multiple factors in uence sexual function in PwS, including the effects of psychiatric symptoms, age, depressive symptoms, institutionalization, and psychotropic medication [24]. Several proposed mechanisms for antipsychotic induced loss of libido exist like dopamine antagonism can induce to impairment of motivation and reward cycle and therefore decreased libido.…”