Sexual dysfunction in epilepsy: Identifying the psychological variables

Elisabete Abib P. De Souza, Dayse M.B. Keiralla, Diosely C. Silveira, Carlos A.M. Guerreiro

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

In order to evaluate the psychological variables that affect sexual dysfunction (SD) in epilepsy, where compared 60 epileptics (Group 1) with 60 healthy individuals (Group 2), through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger et al., 1970), Beck Depression Inventory (Beck, 1974) and Sexual Behavior Interview (Souza, 1995). Sexual dysfunction (SD), anxiety and depression were found more frequently in Group 1 than in Group 2 and were not related to sex. Variables such as the onset duration and frequency of seizures as well as the use to medication were not associated with SD. Temporal lobe epilepsy was related to SD (p = 0.035) but not to anxiety or depression. Anxiety and depression were related to SD in both groups. Perception in controlling the seizures was closely related to anxiety (p = 0) and depression (p = 0.009). We conclude that psychological factors play an important role in the alteration of sexual behavior in epileptics and that suitable attention must be given to the control of these variables.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)214-220
Number of pages7
JournalArquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria
Volume58
Issue number2 A
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Epilepsy
  • Psychological variables
  • Sexual dysfunction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Biological Psychiatry

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