Sexual problems in schizophrenia: prevalence and characteristics. A cross sectional survey

To determine the prevalence and characteristics of psychosexual problems in people with schizophrenia, and to compare the subjects' and researcher's perceptions of the presence of these problems. Cross-sectional survey of 137 people with established schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, aged 18-65 in one geographical area of southeast England, using a semi-structured interview format. A total of 74% of men and 82% of women reported at least one ICD-10 defined sexual problem. Arousal problems were associated with physical health problems in men. Orgasm problems were more common in people in relationships. The researcher was about three times more likely to record a sexual problem than the respondents were to report one. People with schizophrenia report sexual dysfunction that is similar in nature but which occurs at a higher rate than is reported in the general population. There are gender differences and differences in the perception of psychosexual problems between those with schizophrenia and the researcher.