Aggression and sexual dysfunction among bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients: A cross-sectional comparative study

ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and aggression in patients who have schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD) helps in understanding the need for identifying the problems and factors associated with aggression and SD. The early identification of factors contributing to SD and aggression may result in better disease outcomes by reducing the levels of distress, thereby improving their quality of life. There is a paucity of cross-sectional comparative studies concerning SD and aggression among patients with schizophrenia and BD. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of SD and aggression in patients with schizophrenia and BD. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional comparative study, a total of 120 patients (60 schizophrenia patients and 60 BD patients) in the age range of 18–50 years were included. Reliability, confidentiality, and anonymity were maintained. The Buss-Perri Aggression Questionnaire-29 and Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-14 scales were used individually for assessing aggression and SD. Results: The prevalence of SD in schizophrenia patients and BD patients was 75% and 56.67%, respectively. The differences were statistically significant. The prevalence of aggression in schizophrenia and BD patients was 66.67% and 61.67%, respectively. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that the prevalence of SD and aggression is higher in schizophrenia patients when compared with BD patients.