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Quality of life, mood, and sexual function: a path analytic model of treatment effects in men with erectile dysfunction and depressive symptoms

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 16, pages 334–340 (2004)Cite this article

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Medicine and Dentistry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA

    R C Rosen & M A Menza

  2. Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York, USA

    S N Seidman & R Shabsigh

  3. New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA

    S P Roose

  4. Pfizer Inc., New York, New York, USA

    L J Tseng, J Orazem & R L Siegel

Authors
  1. R C Rosen
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  2. S N Seidman
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  3. M A Menza
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  4. R Shabsigh
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  5. S P Roose
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  6. L J Tseng
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  7. J Orazem
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  8. R L Siegel
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Correspondence to R C Rosen.

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Rosen, R., Seidman, S., Menza, M. et al. Quality of life, mood, and sexual function: a path analytic model of treatment effects in men with erectile dysfunction and depressive symptoms. Int J Impot Res 16, 334–340 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901197

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901197

Keywords

  • pharmacologic studies in sexual function
  • oral vasoactive agents

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