Association Between Mental Health Disorders and Sexual Dysfunction in Patients Suffering from Rheumatic Diseases

AimsSexual dysfunction should be enquired about as a symptom of mental health disorders and as side effects of commonly used psychotropic drugs. We audited against NICE guidelines the record of sexual dysfunction discussion at initial assessment and follow-up by the community mental health recovery service (CMHRS).BackgroundResearch reports that sexual dysfunction occurs more often in individuals with serious mental illnesses including depression and schizophrenia. Sexual dysfunction is also a reported side effect of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. NICE guidelines recommend assessment of biological symptoms of mental health disorders and discussion of potential side effects of treatments being considered prior to initiation and at follow-up.MethodOur sample consisted of 71 patients, all new patient assessments from referrals made to CMHRS between January 1st and March 31st 2019.We reviewed all initial assessment and follow-up electronic notes and any correspondence generated from these meetings.ResultOur results showed that no record was made of sexual dysfunction as present or absent by health care professionals (HCPs) completing initial assessment or follow-up.We surveyed the HCPs from the team and observed a high level of confidence in discussing sexual dysfunction and high self report of this discussion being conducted.ConclusionOur audit results show no records of the discussion of sexual dysfunction, we held to the principal that in absence of record the discussion did not take place. Our survey results suggested that HCPs were confident they do assess for sexual dysfunction. We wondered, therefore, if HCPs would be less likely to make record in the event that symptoms are denied, recognizing that the list of potential symptoms and side effects is extensive and documentation of all negative results would be time consuming.Our audit results may show then, that sexual dysfunction is not present in any of the sample; however this would contrast to research findings of higher than average rates of sexual dysfunction in groups with serious mental illness and those using antidepressants or antipsychotics.We propose further assessment is needed for the disparity between our and recognised rates of sexual dysfunction.We propose the standard that recording ‘absence of biological symptoms’ of mental health disorders or recorded supply of medicine information leaflets are adequate record. We also made suggestions for training and recording to assist HCPs initial assessment.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Sexual dysfunction in male Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans: association with posttraumatic stress disorder and other combat-related mental health disorders: a population-based cohort study.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.718242784.793489757 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

David Goldmeier

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Mental Health Disorders ◽

Population Based ◽

Afghanistan War ◽

Health Disorders

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What impact does illness severity have on the sexual health of young people affected by mental health disorders? A comparison of inpatients and outpatients

Australasian Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/1039856220960373 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 103985622096037

Author(s):

Nancy Pehlivan ◽

Ellie Brown ◽

Asiel Yair Adan Sanchez ◽

Felix McMillan ◽

Danielle Moore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Young People ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Mental Health Disorders ◽

Illness Severity ◽

Health Needs ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Health Disorders

Objective: Young people affected by mental health disorders have greater sexual health needs compared to their peers. Less is known about this need across illness severity. Method: A cross-sectional survey of the sexual health of those attending outpatients or inpatients within a youth mental health service was conducted. Statistical differences between groups were explored. Results: One hundred and seven young people (18–25 years) participated and of these, 37.7% were inpatients who had more severe psychiatric symptoms than outpatients. While inpatients were as likely to be sexually active as outpatients, they were significantly less likely to have a regular sexual partner (25% vs 64.5%). Additionally, they used amphetamines more frequently during sex (28.6% vs 5.8%). Sexual dysfunction was experienced by 55.6% of inpatients and 37.9% of outpatients. Conclusions: High-risk sexual behaviours and sexual dysfunction were highly prevalent in both groups. For some behaviours and dysfunction, this prevalence was higher in the inpatient population. Holistic clinical services that address the mental, physical and sexual health needs of consumers are needed both within inpatient and outpatient settings.

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Mental health problems experienced by patients with rheumatic diseases during COVID-19 pandemic

Current Rheumatology Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573397117666210127124544 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Anass Adnine ◽

Khawla Nadiri ◽

Ilias Soussan ◽

Siriman Coulibaly ◽

Khadija Berrada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Health Status ◽

Rheumatic Disease ◽

Rheumatic Diseases ◽

Mental Health Disorders ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Health Disorders ◽

Insomnia Symptoms

Background: Patients with rheumatic diseases are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and insomnia. Yet, little is known about mental health status during COVID-19 pandemic. Objective : This study aims to measure the prevalence of mental health disorders among patients with rheumatic diseases in the era of COVID-19 pandemic and to determine potential risk factors for major symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia in participants. Methods: Participants with rheumatic diseases were asked to complete a questionnaire using a telephonic interview. Sociodemographic and rheumatic disease characteristics were recorded. Mental health status was assessed by the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)-7, and insomnia severity index (ISI) questionnaires to detect depression, anxiety and insomnia symptoms, respectively. Results : We included 307 patients in the survey. Rheumatoid arthritis was the most frequent diagnosis (55%). Of all participants, 7.5% had known depression and 5.5% known anxiety. Mental health disorders were insomnia (34.9%), anxiety (33.2%), and depression (24.4%). Major symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and depression were noted in respectively, 19.9%, 12.4%, and 7.8% of participants. Risk factors for major insomnia were male gender (OR= 4.36, 95% CI 2.06 to 9.25; p<0.0001), low socioeconomic status (OR= 2.64, 95% CI 1.44 – 4.83; p<0.002) and having rheumatoid arthritis (OR= 2.00, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.84; p<0.036). Major anxiety was associated with low monthly income (OR=1.79, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.01; p<0.026), and higher Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) of pain (OR=1.795, 95% CI 1.074 to 2.994 ; p<0.026). Major depression was associated with worsening of rheumatic disease (OR=1.86, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.26; p<0.03). Conclusions : A high frequency of undiagnosed depression, anxiety and insomnia symptoms was found in rheumatic patients. Rheumatologists should be aware of these comorbidities, especially in the era of COVID-19 pandemic.

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