OBJECTIVE: Overview on the current knowledge concerning sexual dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia and implications for treatment, compliance, quality of life and partnership. METHOD: Selective literature research on classification, occurrence, effects and therapy. RESULTS: Frequency and subjective distress of sexual problems in patients with schizophrenia are widely underestimated. Pharmacogenic and morbogenic causes of the sexual problems are often difficult to differentiate. The low awareness of health care professionals for sexual problems and their persistence have significant negative impact on patients' satisfaction with the treatment, compliance, quality of life and partnership. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider patients' sexuality as an integral part of a treatment approach to achieve compliance and mental stabilization as well as an improvement in quality of life.
OBJECTIVE: Overview on the current knowledge concerning sexual dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia and implications for treatment, compliance, quality of life and partnership. METHOD: Selective literature research on classification, occurrence, effects and therapy. RESULTS: Frequency and subjective distress of sexual problems in patients with schizophrenia are widely underestimated. Pharmacogenic and morbogenic causes of the sexual problems are often difficult to differentiate. The low awareness of health care professionals for sexual problems and their persistence have significant negative impact on patients' satisfaction with the treatment, compliance, quality of life and partnership. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider patients' sexuality as an integral part of a treatment approach to achieve compliance and mental stabilization as well as an improvement in quality of life.