1. ¹University of Medicine and Dentistry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
2. ²Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
3. ³New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
4. ⁴Pfizer Inc., New York, New York, USA

Correspondence: RC Rosen, PhD, University of Medicine and Dentistry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08554-5653, USA. E-mail: rosen@umdnj.edu

Received 4 December 2002; Revised 20 February 2003; Accepted 30 March 2003; Published online 12 February 2004.

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is commonly associated with depressed mood and diminished quality of life (QoL), but few studies have investigated the causal associations involved. Therefore, we evaluated the correlation between several measures of mood, QoL, and sexual function in a retrospective analysis of a sample of depressed men (n=152), with ED enrolled in a clinical trial of sildenafil citrate (VIAGRA^®). Strong correlations were observed at baseline among measures of erectile function (EF), mood, and overall QoL. Significant treatment effects were observed on all three domains, with significant interactions between changes in mood and QoL. Based on multiple regression and path analysis, a model was developed in which EF changes were associated with improved mood and quality of sexual life, which resulted in improved partner satisfaction, family life, and overall life satisfaction. These data suggest that QoL changes associated with ED therapy may be mediated by changes in sexual function, mood, and family relationships.