Sexual dysfunction in depressed Indian women attending a hospital out patient department in Mumbai

Introduction Female sexual dysfunction is a multifactorial and multidimensional condition with biological, psychological and interpersonal determinants. In India, talking about sex and issues related to sex is taboo and spouses are uncomfortable sharing their problems with each other.

Aims Aim was to study the prevalence and types of sexual dysfunction in depressed females, identify the association between depression and sexual dysfunction and describe the various myths and misconceptions prevalent in the Indian culture about female sexual behavior.

Method Forty nine females diagnosed with depressive disorder according to the DSM-IV-TR were assessed using the Becks Depression Inventory, Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and Female Sexual Functioning Index. A questionnaire was designed based on the prevalent cultural beliefs in Indian society to assess the myths and misconceptions about the various aspects of sexuality.

Results Thirty three (67.34%) had clinical sexual dysfunction. The types of sexual dysfunction were as follows; 26 (53%) had lubrication dysfunction, 25 (51%) had orgasmic dysfunction, 24 (49%) had pain, 22 (45%) had dysfunction of desire, arousal and sexual satisfaction. There was significant association between sexual dysfunction and depression. All patients had several myths and misconceptions about menstruation and sexuality, 98% about pregnancy and 84% about breast size.

Conclusion This study reported high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in depressed females. All domains of sexual functioning were affected and there was significant association between sexual dysfunction and depression. All the females had myths and misconceptions about various aspects of sexuality like menstruation, sexuality, pregnancy and breast size.

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v4i1.5717

Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry Vol 4(1) June 2013 Page 10-13