Female Sexual Dysfunction and Schizophrenia: A Clinical Review

Abstract

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is understudied and unexplored in clinical practice. There is a need for psychiatrists to acknowledge the same and explore this symptom in patients with schizophrenia. The following article is a clinical review that looks at various facets of FSD in relation to schizophrenia. The various types of FSD seen in schizophrenia are elaborated and factors that affect the same are discussed. The role of various factors and antipsychotic-induced FSD is also discussed. The role of estrogens in women with schizophrenia from a clinical and sexual perspective, the role of oral contraceptives in schizophrenia, schizophrenia and pregnancy related complications along with menopause, and its effect on schizophrenia and sexual function in these patients are discussed. The neurobiology of FSD is explored briefly along with the role of female sexuality in recovery and enhancing outcome in schizophrenia is also elaborated. The victimization of female patients with schizophrenia and future research needs in FSD in schizophrenia are laid out.