¹Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey

Correspondence: M Atmaca, Firat (Euphrates) Universitesi, Firat Tip Merkezi, Psikiyatri Anabilim Dali, 23119 Elazig, Turkey. E-mail: matmaca_p@yahoo.com

Accepted 8 April 2003; Published online 29 July 2004.

Abstract

In this paper, we evaluated the new antipsychotic, quetiapine-induced sexual dysfunctions (SDs). The study group consisted of 36 patients with schizophrenia receiving quetiapine. The changes in general sexual functions were assessed by using Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser (UKU) Side Effect Rating Scale at baseline and week 4. Also, prolactin (PRL) values were determined at baseline and week 4. There was statistically significant difference with respect to the mean ASEX score at week 4 compared with baseline. The most frequent SD was diminished libido in both male (31.8%) and female subjects (28.6%). No significant correlation was found between ASEX scores and PRL values. The results suggest that SDs are an important problem using even novel antipsychotic, quetiapine.