Erectile function of Chinese men with schizophrenia in psychiatric out-patient clinics and their attitude towards treatment

Background: Antipsychotics had been shown to cause erectile dysfunction (ED). This study aims to determine the rate and degree of ED in Chinese males who had chronic schizophrenia and were taking antipsychotic agents for at least four weeks in an outpatient psychiatric clinic in Hong Kong. Method: Seventy Chinese males with chronic schizophrenia attending the clinic were surveyed on the five aspects of erectile function using the International Index of Erectile Function Scale (IIEF-15). Their attitude on receiving treatment for any ED was also elicited using a standard attitude questionnaire. Results: Fifty-eight per cent of married subjects had an IIEF-15 score below the cut off point for normal erectile function, although married subjects had a higher mean score than the single or divorced subjects. There was no significant difference in total IIEF-15 score between subjects on different antipsychotics. The score also showed no significant correlation with the duration of medication. Most subjects preferred psychotherapy to sildenafil for treatment of their sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: The majority of Chinese males with schizophrenia and maintained on antipsychotic drugs in the outpatient clinic had sub-optimal erectile function. Psychological management was the treatment of choice for their dysfunction.