ANXIETY AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS AMONG ALCOHOL-DEPENDENT MEN: AN EXPLORATORY CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Alcohol, Alcohol dependence, Anxiety, Sexual dysfunction, Sexual health.
Abstract
Background: Alcohol dependence (AD) is a broad term used for problematic alcohol use that results in mental or physical health consequences. Anxiety disorders are the most commonly occurring co-morbid conditions in individuals with AD. Alcohol also poses effects on sexual dysfunction as chronic and persistent alcohol use is known to cause sexual dysfunctions that also lead to marked distress and interpersonal difficulties.
Aim and objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence, severity, and interrelationship between anxiety and sexual dysfunctions in men diagnosed with AD.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 male participants with AD, recruited at psychiatry department of a tertiary care center. Participants were assessed using Hamilton scale for anxiety (HAM-A) for anxiety, and Arizona sexual experience rating scale (ASEX) for sexual dysfunctions.
Results: The results revealed that the mean age at onset of AD was 35.65 years, mean HAM-A score was 18.51. Half of the participants had moderate anxiety. Out of all, 85 participants i.e., 77.27% had sexual dysfunctions. A strong positive correlation was found between the severity of anxiety and the duration since last regular alcohol use. The duration since last regular alcohol use also correlated positively and statistically significantly with severity of sexual dysfunctions. There was positive but statistically insignificant correlation between scores on HAM-A and ASEX. These findings show relationship between AD, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.
Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of routine comprehensive clinical assessments in men with alcohol dependence with especial emphasis to assessment of anxiety disorder and sexual health.
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Dr. Deepak Gehlot
PG Resident Doctor, Dept of Psychiatry, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand
Dr. Sunil Kumar
Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand
Dr. Tanay Agrawal
PG Resident Doctor, Dept of Psychiatry, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand
Dr. Siddharth Malhotra
Senior Resident Doctor, Dept of Psychiatry, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand
Dr Bharat Agarwal
Professor & Head, Dept of Psychiatry, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand
Dr. Divya Sharma
Statistician, Assistant Professor, Dept of Community Medicine, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand