Sexual Dysfunction in Clinically Stable Patients With Bipolar Disorder Receiving Lithium

There is limited data on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with bipolar disorder receiving lithium. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with bipolar disorder receiving lithium and to study the correlates of sexual dysfunction. One hundred clinically stable patients with bipolar disorder (Global Assessment for Functioning score of >70, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of <= 7 and Young Mania Rating Scale score of <= 7, and no change in medications at least in the last 3 months) receiving lithium were evaluated on Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and Brief Adherence Rating Scale. The mean age of study sample was 44.3 years. The mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score was 1.06 (SD, 1.7) and the mean Young Mania Rating Scale score was 0.1 (SD, 0.5) and the mean Global Assessment for Functioning scale score was 84 (SD, 6.0). The mean duration of lithium use was approximately 119.62 (SD, 99.6) months, and the mean dose of lithium was 799.5 (SD, 251.4) mg/d. Of the 100 patients, approximately one third of the patients (n = 37) were found to have sexual dysfunction as per Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. Compared with those without sexual dysfunction, those with sexual dysfunction were older (t value = 3; P = 0.003). Those with sexual dysfunction had lower level of functioning (Global level of functioning score of 81.7 vs 85.5; t value = 3.2; P = 0.002), higher number of other adverse effects with lithium (total number of other adverse effects, 2.9 vs 1.4; t value = 4.2; P < 0.001), and poor medication compliance. To conclude, the present study suggests that approximately one third of the patients receiving lithium experience sexual dysfunction, and it is associated with poor medication adherence.