Psychosexual dysfunction in male patients with cannabis dependence and synthetic cannabinoid dependence

There are inconsistent reports regarding the relationship between cannabis use and male sexual function with almost no data about synthetic cannabinoids (SC) and their effect on male sexual functions. This study investigated psychological concerns related to male sexual functions among cannabis and SC users. The research assessed different sexual functions and aspects of sexual psychopathology in cannabis and SCs dependent men compared to controls.

Thirty male patients with cannabis dependence, thirty male patients with SCs dependence, and thirty matched controls from the outpatient clinic at Kasr Al Ainy hospital, Egypt, were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and Sexuality scale.

The means of IIEF questionnaire in the cannabis and SC group were significant lower (worse) than the means of the control group (P < .001) except the orgasmic function in cannabis group (P = .052). In the SCs group, sexual depression was higher and preoccupation lower than in the cannabis group (P < .020; P < .003, respectively) and control groups (P < .001; P < .001, respectively). The duration and dose of cannabis and SCs correlated significantly with sexual esteem, sexual preoccupation and all domains of IIEF.

Cannabis and SC dependence were associated with lower erectile function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction, and lower orgasmic functions in the SC group than controls. Both groups showed higher sexual depression, lower sexual esteem and sexual preoccupation than controls. SC has a higher negative impact on male sexual functions and psychopathology than does cannabis.