Mental health and sexual health are closely linked, so perhaps it’s no surprise that psychiatric disorders can have an impact on a person’s sexual health. Multiple studies that have looked at psychiatric disorders and sexual dysfunction have revealed higher rates of sexual dysfunction in people with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and schizophrenia.
There are various factors associated with these conditions that may contribute to sexual dysfunction, but they are generally thought to be related to the psychological symptoms people experience and/or the medications they take for their condition, although there is no evidence that one type of situation causes the other.
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters, the chemicals that carry messages from one nerve cell to another in the body, are heavily involved in sexual processes. Neurotransmitters that play a role in sexual function, notably dopamine, serotonin, and epinephrine, are also heavily involved in the symptoms and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
For example, serotonin levels are lower in people who have depression or OCD than in the general population. Also, abnormalities in dopamine levels have been found in people with schizophrenia, and dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters have been linked to anxiety disorders.
Medications such as antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotics, antidepressants can affect neurotransmitter levels and impair sexual function as a result.
Interpersonal Factors
Psychiatric disorders can also have a major impact on a person’s interpersonal relationships, which can negatively affect their sexual health. Depressed individuals may experience increased negative interactions and less social support. Interpersonal difficulties are also common in people with schizophrenia, who may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, confrontational behavior, and few close interpersonal relationships.
Since close interpersonal relationships play a large role in a person’s sexual health and satisfaction, difficulties in this area of life can translate into difficulties in their sex life.
Mental Health Symptoms
The very symptoms of psychiatric disorders can affect one’s sexual health. Anxiety can lead to intrusive thoughts, destructive thoughts, distraction from external stimuli, and feelings of extreme worry or fear. Depression can cause symptoms such as fatigue, feelings of low self-esteem, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and loss of interest in sex. Schizophrenia can cause delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking and speech that make communication difficult. All of these symptoms can negatively impact sexual experiences for people with psychiatric disorders.
Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders
Treatment for a psychiatric disorder depends on the disorder in question, but typical treatment options include psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, interpersonal therapy, support groups, and, when needed, prescription drugs. If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of a psychiatric disorder, talk to your healthcare provider about possible treatment options.
For more information on this topic, read these posts from The Journal of Sexual Medicine:
Bibliographical references:
Herder, T., Spoelstra, SK, Peters, AWM, & Knegtering, H. (2023). Sexual dysfunction associated with psychiatric disorders: a systematic review. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(7), 965-976.
King-Casas, B., & Chiu, PH (2012). Understanding interpersonal functioning in psychiatric illness through multiplayer economic games. Biological psychiatry, 72(2), 119–125.
Montejo AL (2019). Sexuality and Mental Health: The need for mutual development and research. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(11), 1794.
Zemishlany, Z., & Weizman, A. (2008). The effect of mental illness on sexual dysfunction. Advances in psychosomatic medicine, 2989–106.
