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

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 (rho = -0.210, P = 0.006), intercourse satisfaction (rho = -0.293, P<0.0001) and overall satisfaction (rho = -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 (rho = -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.