Psychiatric illness presenting with a sexual complaint and management by psychotropic medications: A case report Journal Article


Authors: Krychman, M.; Carter, J.; Amsterdam, A.
Article Title: Psychiatric illness presenting with a sexual complaint and management by psychotropic medications: A case report
Abstract: Introduction. Sexual medicine healthcare professionals, who do not normally examine men and women with psychiatric disorders, need to be aware that those with psychiatric disorders can and do present with sexual medicine problems. In particular, psychiatric individuals may present with a variety of delusions including those that have sexual content or sexual implications. The rare disorder of reverse delusional misidentification syndrome may be encountered in schizophrenic patients and may be best managed by the combined team effort of a sexual medicine specialist and psychiatrist. Aim. To report a case study that reiterates the assessment and sexual medicine management of a female with sexual dysfunction who believed she was transforming into a male. Methods. Case report of a woman who attended an outpatient clinic in an academic medical center. Results. A 60-year-old woman with a history of paranoid schizophrenia presented to a gynecologist for ovarian cancer screening. Evaluation revealed complaints that the patient's ovaries were testes that produced sperm and her clitoris was a penis capable of erection and ejaculation. Gynecological examination revealed only atrophic vaginitis. The patient was treated with local minimally absorbed vaginal estrogens and referred for psychological assessment and counseling. Psychotropic medication compliance was encouraged, weekly psychotherapy was continued, and delusional symptoms were minimized. Conclusion. Sexual medicine healthcare providers should be prepared to manage sex health concerns of men and women with psychiatric disorders, including delusional misidentification syndrome, in conjunction with a psychiatrist. © 2006 International Society for Sexual Medicine.
Keywords: adult; treatment outcome; middle aged; case report; follow up; female sexual dysfunction; sexual satisfaction; estrogens; drug therapy, combination; patient compliance; mental disease; psychotropic drugs; estradiol; psychotropic agent; patient counseling; patient referral; psychotherapy; psychologic assessment; sexual dysfunctions, psychological; delusions; psychological assessment of sexual dysfunction; sex therapy; delusional misidentification; paranoid schizophrenia; vaginitis; schizophrenia, paranoid; sex education
Journal Title: Journal of Sexual Medicine
Volume: 5
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1743-6095
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2008-01-01
Start Page: 223
End Page: 226
Language: English
DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00382.x
PUBMED: 17087805
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 3" - "Export Date: 17 November 2011" - "Source: Scopus"
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  1. Jeanne Carter
    159 Carter