The influence of schizophrenia and standard or atypical neuroleptics on sexual and sociosexual functioning: A review

Ir is difficult to dissociate the influence of schizophrenia and neurolepti cs on sexuality since the majority of schizophrenic patients are treated wi th neuroleptic medication. Standard neuroleptics can cause sexual dysfuncti ons. However atypical neuroleptics minimally influence sexual function. Hyp oactive sexual desire is the most commonly reported sexual difficulty by sc hizophrenics, treated or not, with neuroleptic medications. The majority of patients notice a progressive deterioration of their sexual and sociosexua l functioning beginning in adolescence or young adulthood This article focu ses on the sexual and sociosexual differences reported by schizophrenics.