Sexual Dysfunction in Depressive Women

Abstract

Mental illness has a large effect on sexual function and the expression of sexuality. Many studies have illustrated that sexual dysfunction is significantly associated with depression. Objectifs: Assess the quality of sexual response in a population of depressed women. Search factors associated with impaired sexual function. Aims: Investigate the degree of correlation between sexual dysfunction and depression. Methodes: Analytical and descriptive Study involving 30 sexually active women seen for the first time at the Razi hospital. They presents a first major depressive episode according to DSM IV. Exclusion criteria were the presence of psychotic symptoms, the use of antidepressants in the last three months and inflammatory or neoplastic comorbidity. The severity of depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Scale. The evaluation of sexuality was made ??by Aziona sexual experience scale Results: The middle-age was 37 years, 80% were married. Depression was severe in 60% of cases and the average time of care was 3.7 months. Sexual function was altered in 70% of cases with a positive correlation between the severity of depression, the depressive episode duration, and the sexual dysfunction. Sexual desire was the most affected by depression, distorted in more than half of patients. Sexual arousal and vaginal lubrication were also altered in respectively 40% and 36.7% of cases, while orgasm and satisfaction with orgasm were more conserved. Conclusion: Taking into account the dimension of sexuality is important in the management of a depressive episode. Early treatment is a protective factor from sexual dysfunction in depressed women.