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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility

Published on: May 30, 2025

Second generation antipsychotics improve sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia: a randomised controlled trial.

Ahmed Mahmoud¹, Karen P Hayhurst, Richard J Drake

¹Mental Health and Neurodegeneration Research Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.

Schizophrenia Research and Treatment

|September 1, 2012

Summary

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) significantly improved sexual function in schizophrenia patients compared to first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs). Switching to SGAs may alleviate sexual dysfunction and enhance quality of life.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility

Published on: May 30, 2025

Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Pharmacology
Sexual Medicine

Background:

Antipsychotic medications are essential for managing schizophrenia.
Sexual dysfunction is a common and distressing side effect of antipsychotic drug treatment, particularly with first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs).
The impact of switching from FGAs to second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) on sexual function requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare the effects of FGAs and SGAs on sexual function in patients with schizophrenia.
To assess the relationship between changes in sexual function and quality of life.
To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction.

Main Methods:

A randomized trial involving 42 patients diagnosed with DSM-IV schizophrenia (aged 18-65).
Patients were switched from an FGA to either an FGA or an SGA.
Sexual function (using the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Function - Self-Report, DISF-SR) and quality of life (using the Heinrichs Quality of Life Scale, QLS) were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks post-medication change.

Main Results:

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) demonstrated a significant improvement in sexual function compared to first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs).
Improvements in sexual function were positively associated with improvements in quality of life.
A notable proportion of patients experienced distressing sexual dysfunction while on FGAs.

Conclusions:

Switching from FGAs to SGAs can significantly improve sexual function in schizophrenia patients.
Addressing sexual dysfunction through medication adjustment can positively impact overall quality of life.
Clinicians should consider switching to SGAs for patients experiencing distressing sexual dysfunction due to FGA treatment.