The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between
prolactin levels and sexual dysfunction in patients with
schizophrenia who use
olanzapine medication. The potential risk factors of
hyperprolactinemia and sexual dysfunction were also investigated. Patients with
schizophrenia undergoing
olanzapine monotherapy were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were used to evaluate subjective sexual dysfunction and psychopathology, respectively. Levels of
prolactin and metabolic parameters were also measured. In total, 279 participants with
schizophrenia were recruited. The overall incidences of
hyperprolactinemia, sexual dysfunction, and
metabolic syndrome were 51.6, 53.8, and 43.7%, respectively. Higher ASEX scores, higher
insulin levels, female sex, and younger age were associated with
hyperprolactinemia.
Prolactin level was significantly correlated with ASEX score. Elevated
prolactin levels, concomitant
antidepressant, increased
insulin resistance, longer illness duration, and female sex were associated with sexual dysfunction. Female participants recorded higher levels of sexual dysfunction than their male counterparts did, whereas male participants had comparatively lower
prolactin levels and lower rates of spousal partnership.
Hyperprolactinemia,
metabolic syndrome, and sexual dysfunction are prevalent in patients with
schizophrenia treated with
olanzapine. Clinicians should maintain awareness of these problems and monitor them regularly with their patients.