The sexual functions of male patients suffering from affective disorders

Introduction
This study aimed to outline the picture of the sexual functions of male patients with affective disorders as an important part of their lives.

Material and methods
The sample consisted of 57 male patients diagnosed with mood disorders in remission. They were interviewed for demographic and clinical data, asked to fill in number of self-descriptive questionnaires’ Sexual Function of Man (SFM/K), the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Scale (MADRS) and Young Mania Scale (YMRS), and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

Results
Lower levels of sexual functioning were experienced by patients who had suffered from affective disorder for a longer time, and who had a diagnosis of recurrent depressive disorder (F33), in comparison with patients with bipolar disorder (F31). The most common sexual dysfunction was premature ejaculation, while the rarest was erectile dysfunction. An occurrence of any sexual disorder at least once in the past was reported by 66% of all patients. Participants did not have problems with alcohol usage.

Conclusions
A worse quality of sexual functioning was associated with a longer history of affective disorder. Sexual dysfunction can be affected by even the most minor depressive and manic-depressive components. The tools used excluded non-heterosexual patients. Further research based on bigger samples is required.