Sexual Function, Sexual Dysfunctions, and ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review

Lorenzo Soldati; Francesco Bianchi-Demicheli; Pauline Schockaert; John Köhl; Mylène Bolmont; Roland Hasler; Nader Perroud

doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.03.019

Sexual Function, Sexual Dysfunctions, and ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review

Lorenzo Soldati, Francesco Bianchi-Demicheli, Pauline Schockaert, John Köhl, Mylène Bolmont, Roland Hasler, Nader Perroud

Medicine

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: The scientific literature on sexuality among mentally ill patients clearly shows a higher prevalence of sexual disorders for many mental disorders, but little is known about sexuality in individuals suffering from ADHD. Clinicians will often assume that specific difficulties of ADHD are bound to affect sexual functioning. Aim: The aim of this study was to provide a review of the literature to gain better knowledge about sexuality in subjects with ADHD and to discuss screening and management of their potential sexual problems. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed in Pubmed, PsychInfo, and Embase databases. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures were sexual function and sexual dysfunctions. Results: The studies indicated that subjects with ADHD report more sexual desire, more masturbation frequency, less sexual satisfaction, and more sexual dysfunctions than the general population. Clinical Implications: Clinicians working with subjects with ADHD should explore the quality of their sexual life. Strengths & Limitations: This is the first systematic review of the sexuality of individuals with ADHD. However, the results are limited by the small number of studies, by the small sample size of many studies, and the potential for bias. Conclusions: ADHD is a mental disorder affecting sexual health. Further studies are warranted to learn more about sexuality in subjects with ADHD. Soldati L, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Schockaert P, et al. Sexual Function, Sexual Dysfunctions, and ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review. J Sex Med 2020;17:1653–1664.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1653-1664
Number of pages	12
Journal	Journal of Sexual Medicine
Volume	17
Issue number	9
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.03.019
Publication status	Published - Sept 2020

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Funding: The study was supported by the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research , “Synapsy: The Synaptic Basis of Mental Diseases” (grant number 51NF40-185897 ).

Funding Information:
Funding: The study was supported by the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, ?Synapsy: The Synaptic Basis of Mental Diseases? (grant number 51NF40-185897).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 International Society for Sexual Medicine

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Reproductive Medicine
Endocrinology
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Psychiatry and Mental health
Urology

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.03.019

Cite this

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title = "Sexual Function, Sexual Dysfunctions, and ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review",

abstract = "Background: The scientific literature on sexuality among mentally ill patients clearly shows a higher prevalence of sexual disorders for many mental disorders, but little is known about sexuality in individuals suffering from ADHD. Clinicians will often assume that specific difficulties of ADHD are bound to affect sexual functioning. Aim: The aim of this study was to provide a review of the literature to gain better knowledge about sexuality in subjects with ADHD and to discuss screening and management of their potential sexual problems. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed in Pubmed, PsychInfo, and Embase databases. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures were sexual function and sexual dysfunctions. Results: The studies indicated that subjects with ADHD report more sexual desire, more masturbation frequency, less sexual satisfaction, and more sexual dysfunctions than the general population. Clinical Implications: Clinicians working with subjects with ADHD should explore the quality of their sexual life. Strengths & Limitations: This is the first systematic review of the sexuality of individuals with ADHD. However, the results are limited by the small number of studies, by the small sample size of many studies, and the potential for bias. Conclusions: ADHD is a mental disorder affecting sexual health. Further studies are warranted to learn more about sexuality in subjects with ADHD. Soldati L, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Schockaert P, et al. Sexual Function, Sexual Dysfunctions, and ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review. J Sex Med 2020;17:1653–1664.",

author = "Lorenzo Soldati and Francesco Bianchi-Demicheli and Pauline Schockaert and John K{\"o}hl and Myl{\`e}ne Bolmont and Roland Hasler and Nader Perroud",

note = "Funding Information: Funding: The study was supported by the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research , “Synapsy: The Synaptic Basis of Mental Diseases” (grant number 51NF40-185897 ). Funding Information: Funding: The study was supported by the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, ?Synapsy: The Synaptic Basis of Mental Diseases? (grant number 51NF40-185897). Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2020 International Society for Sexual Medicine",

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AU - Bolmont, Mylène

AU - Hasler, Roland

AU - Perroud, Nader

N1 - Funding Information: Funding: The study was supported by the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research , “Synapsy: The Synaptic Basis of Mental Diseases” (grant number 51NF40-185897 ). Funding Information: Funding: The study was supported by the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, ?Synapsy: The Synaptic Basis of Mental Diseases? (grant number 51NF40-185897). Publisher Copyright: © 2020 International Society for Sexual Medicine

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Sexual Function, Sexual Dysfunctions, and ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Bibliographical note

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

UN SDGs

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