Sexual dysfunction in male psychiatric outpatients: validity of the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of sexual dysfunction in male outpatients with concomitant psychiatric and medical conditions and to establish the validity of the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Function Questionnaire (MGH).

METHODS: Male VA outpatients were given two sexual function questionnaires, a 36-item Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ) and the 5-item MGH. Medical records were evaluated for diagnosis, medications and illnesses that might affect sexual functioning.

RESULTS: Among 100 outpatient respondents, the CSFQ showed that 90% and the MGH showed that 77% experienced sexual dysfunction. Forty percent of patients reported total absence of sexual function. Good concurrent validity was established between the MGH and CSFQ.

CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in psychiatric outpatients. The MGH is a valid clinical measure to determine sexual dysfunction.