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Depression is correlated with the psychological and physical aspects of sexual dysfunction in men

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 25, pages 194–199 (2013)Cite this article

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Abstract

Few studies have objectively examined the relationship between depression and various stages of sexual function. Here we associate depression and sexual function using validated questionnaires. A retrospective review of 186 men was performed; demographics and serum hormone levels were obtained. Responses to questionnaires evaluating depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)), sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)) and hypogonadal symptoms (quantitative Androgen Decline in the Aging Male (qADAM)) completed by each patient were correlated using Spearman’s rank correlation. Mean±s.d. subject age: 52.6±12.7 years; mean serum hormone levels: TT 429.8±239.2 ng dl−1, free testosterone 9.72±7.5 pg ml−1 and estradiol 34.4±22.8 pg ml−1. Negative correlations were observed between total PHQ-9 score and the sexual desire (ρ=−0.210, P=0.006), intercourse satisfaction (ρ=−0.293, P<0.0001) and overall satisfaction (ρ=−0.413, P<0.0001) domains of the IIEF and individual IIEF questions pertaining to erectile function. Men with a PHQ-9 score ⩾10 (mild depression or worse), had lower sexual desire and sex life satisfaction. A negative correlation between PHQ-9 score and qADAM score (ρ=−0.634, P<0.0001) was observed and men with higher PHQ-9 score had lower qADAM scores. Depressive symptoms in men correlate with both psychological as well as physical aspects of sexual function.

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Author notes

  1. A W Pastuszak and N Badhiwala: These authors contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    A W Pastuszak, L I Lipshultz & M Khera

  2. Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    N Badhiwala

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  1. A W Pastuszak
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  2. N Badhiwala
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  3. L I Lipshultz
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Correspondence to M Khera.

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Pastuszak, A., Badhiwala, N., Lipshultz, L. et al. Depression is correlated with the psychological and physical aspects of sexual dysfunction in men. Int J Impot Res 25, 194–199 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2013.4

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