Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is commonly encountered in men receiving antipsychotic drug therapy. Ejaculatory dysfunction has been most commonly reported, but erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, priapism, and a change in the sensation of orgasm have also been noted. The anticholinergic and antiadrenergic effects of antipsychotics may cause problems with erection and ejaculation. Antipsychotics block dopamine synapses in the central nervous system and may suppress sexual interest because of this. The hyperprolactinemia seen with these compounds may also have adverse consequences on sexual functioning. The effects of antipsychotics on gonadotropins and testosterone are not clear. A variable which confounds much of the research in this area is the possibility of an underlying neuroendocrine abnormality in patients with schizophrenia.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 173-183 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Archives of sexual behavior |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 1983 |
Keywords
- antipsychotics
- neuroendocrinology
- schizophrenia
- sexual dysfunction