Depression as a prominent cause of sexual dysfunction in women with epilepsy.

The etiology of sexual dysfunction in patients with epilepsy is perceived as multifactorial, with seizure and medication effects being the most often discussed and analyzed factors. We used common statistical methods to evaluate the impact of type of epilepsy, antiepileptic medication, hormones, seizure control, and symptoms of depression and anxiety on sexual function in a group of 78 women with epilepsy. To assess sexual function, we used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). To assess symptoms of depression and anxiety, we used the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI, BAI). Of all the observed factors, only BDI score was significantly correlated with FSFI score. There was no correlation between FSFI, hormonal levels, seizure frequency, and symptoms of anxiety. No differences were found between patients with focal and those with generalized epilepsies; between seizure-free and non-seizure-free patients; or in relation to the number and type of antiepileptic medications.

Sexual functions in women with focal epilepsy. A preliminary study.

We analyzed sexual function in 29 women suffering from focal epilepsy using the Female Sexual Function Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and a battery of laboratory tests were performed to find possible correlations and differences. A total FSFI score lower than the predefined cut-off score was found in 20.7% women and the presence of at least one subtype of sexual dysfunction was found in 51.7% of them. The most frequent dysfunction was lack of lubrication, which occurred in 34.5% of patients. A higher depression score was significantly correlated with a worse total score of Female Sexual Function Index and with decreased score of lubrication, satisfaction and pain. Patients who were seizure-free had better total score of Female Sexual Function Index and score of lubrication, orgasm and pain in comparison to patients who were not seizure-free. A higher anxiety scale was correlated only with lower satisfaction. We found a statistically significant correlation of reduced desire and use of carbamazepine and with lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and free-androgene index. Reduced arousal was also correlated with the use of carbamazepine and lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Patients with a combination of complex partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures had a worse total sexual function score and pain score than those with complex partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures only. Sexual dysfunctions are relatively common problems in epileptic women with focal epilepsy. Prospective studies, including a control group, are needed.