TO COMPARE THE FREQUENCY OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH RISPERIDONE, OLANZAPINE, AND QUETIAPINE, AMONG PATIENTS WITH CLINICALLY STABLE SCHIZOPHRENIA.

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction can be caused by variety of physical and psychological causes like ageing
process, thriving condition, medical illness, psychiatric diseases, drugs. Among the drugs anti
hypertensives, antihistamines, diuretics, anti-depressants, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics are
the common drugs causing sexual impairment. Sexual dysfunction is one of the commonest
problem among the common people and people suffering from psychiatric diseases and people who
are in treatment with psychotic medicines. Sexual dysfunction is very rarely reported spontaneously
by patients, therefore, clinical trials of antipsychotic medicine depend on spontaneous reporting by
patients to assess side effects on sexual dysfunction. Studies done so far has revealed significant
rate of sexual impairment is seen with both atypical and typical antipsychotics and this side effect is
particularly Important in many ways. It affects their self- esteem and causes problem for their
sexual partners, compromises treatment compliance, interferes with their quality of life. Sexual
dysfunction is one of the commonest problem in mood disorders, schizophrenia, and all other
psychotic disorders. The reported prevalence of sexual dysfunction is 40 -80% in women and 45-
85% in men.(3, 4, 5).