Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the patients suffering from depression: A cross-sectional study

Background: A significant number of patients suffering from depression experience various sexual dysfunctions like decreased sexual interest, erectile disorders, premature ejaculation and anorgasmia. The evaluation of the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in depression is complicated by the fact that both medications as well as the depressive state itself may affect sexual desire and arousal. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in cases of depression, and to check the correlation of severity of depression with severity of sexual dysfunction. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional non-interventional hospital based study. Diagnosis of depressive disorder was made according to ICD-10. The severity of depression was assessed using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the severity of sexual dysfunction was assessed using Arizona Sexual Experience scale (ASEX). The data obtained was analysed using SPSS Version 23. Results: A total of 100 depressed patients diagnosed as per the International Classification of diseases 10 criteria were recruited after their informed consent. Majority of the participants were young lower middle class female; most of the participants were married (50%), homemakers by profession (34%), belonging to a semiurban area (43%). 50% of them (n=50) reported having sexual dysfunction. The mean BDI-II total score was 17.08±4.206. The mean ASEX total score was 28.28±11.312. The BDI-II score was found to be significantly correlated with the ASEX total score (r=0.686, p<0.001). Conclusion: A significant correlation was found between severity of depression and severity of sexual dysfunction.