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Sexual dysfunction and chronic pain: the role of psychological variables and impact on quality of life

This is a report of two studies examining the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and the role of psychological variables, including quality of life, on sexual activity in patients at the start of outpatient cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain management.

In Study 1, 151 patients with non-cancer pain, predominantly musculoskeletal, completed a range of standardized questionnaires. Sexual dysfunction was common, and more frequently reported by people with greater disability and depression, shorter pain duration, and infrequent use of coping self-statements. Study 2 was a pilot investigation (n=41) of the impact of sexual dysfunction on quality of life. Although sexual dysfunction was again commonly reported, respondents perceived it had less importance in quality of life than did other factors.

The researchers conclude that sexual dysfunction is common in this population and is predicted by psychological factors and pain duration. However, other issues impact more significantly on quality of life. Therapeutic approaches to sexual dysfunction in these patients might best be focused on improving psychological factors, particularly depression and coping skills. Kwan KS, Roberts LJ, Swalm DM. Adapted from Eur J Pain. 2005 Dec;9(6):643-52. Epub 2005 Jan 22.

PMID 16246817
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16246817&query_hl=2

Credit: PubMed, developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM).



Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care
Beth Israel Medical Center, New York City
©2005 Continuum Health Partners, Inc.
www.stoppain.org/pain_medicine