The prevalence and influence of significant psychiatric abnormalities in men undergoing comprehensive management of organic erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Psychiatric factors are etiologically important in a proportion of patients with erectile dysfunction. We determined the prevalence of psychopathology and the impact it has on current erectile dysfunction (ED) assessment and management.

A group of 120 consecutive men with ED presenting to the Human Sexuality Clinic for the first time was prospectively investigated. All patients participated in a standardized evaluative protocol, including history, physical exam, assessment by a psychiatrist (using DSM-IV^TM criteria), selective hormonal screen, and diagnostic intracavernosal injection. Follow-up appointments were to discuss diagnostic findings and, eventually, treatment choices.

The prevalence of significant psychiatric pathology, excluding interview stress, was 33%. Only 16 of 40 cases were recognized and highlighted in the initial assessments by urological staff. There was no significant difference in the modalities of treatment choices between patients with psychiatric problems and those without. 10% of the patients had multiple organic risk factors, normal ICI, and significant psychiatric pathology.

Psychopathology or emotional factors play a significant role in the etiology of ED and they are difficult to identify in a non-directed assessment. Even in the face of significant vascular risk factors, psychological abnormalities may be the primary etiology. Treating the ‘phallodynamically challenged’ individual without adequately addressing the possible presence of psychopathology, will account for treatment failures and have the potential for leaving untreated serious emotional problems.