ADDRESSING SEXUAL COMPLAINTS IN GENERAL PSYCHIATRY CONSULTATION

FROM A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Sexual dysfunctions are frequent and have an important impact on the quality of life of individuals withmental disorders. However, sexual complaints continue to beunderinvestigated in general psychiatric clinical practice. Objectives: This work aims, firstly, to review the scientificevidence regarding the relationship between mental illnessand sexuality. Secondly and starting from a critical reflection, it is intended to propose an approach to sexual complaints in general psychiatry consultation. Methods: A non-systematic bibliographic review of scientific articles published between January 2000 and July 2020 was carried out through Pubmed/Medline database, using the following keywords:mental illness, sexual dysfunctions, sexuality. The articles were chosen according to their relevance to the object of study. Results: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in people with mental illness varies between 5 and 94% in the literature, but it is considerably higher than in relation to the general population, presenting specific challenges in diagnosis and treatment. An approach to SD in general psychiatric consultation should be based on the PLISSIT model. It should include sexual, medical and psychosocial history, diagnostic formulation, psychoeducation and adoption of basic therapeutic strategies. The articulation with specialized services will be necessary in a minority of cases, in the presence of specific characteristics or evaluations. Conclusion: Competence in sexology is essential for general mental health professionals to provide a holistic and meaningful intervention, taking into account the high prevalence of sexual complaints in people with mental illness.