Weekly Mind Reader: Lifting the Veil on Sexual Dysfunction

In this week’s Weekly Mind Reader, we look at a study that investigates sexual dysfunction in Lebanon, research that ties mood and anxiety disorders to obstetric complications. Plus, strategies for using psychotropics to help treat alcohol addiction.

Role of Anxiety, Depression, Eating Attitudes, and Mindfulness in Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is more than a physiological problem. It’s a disorder that can wreak havoc on the patient’s emotional, mental, physical, and social well-being. Unfortunately, it’s also a disorder that goes largely unnoticed in places like Lebanon.

Finally, a new Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders study sheds some light on this. The just-published paper explores the relationship between SD and psychological factors among Lebanese university students.

Researchers worked between July and September 2021 to conduct this cross-sectional study that included 363 students pulled from a snowball sampling. The researchers assessed SD using the Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire. And they gauged eating attitudes, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness against their respective validated scales.

Inspired by the “psychobiosocial” model, the study’s authors considered psychological distress (depression and anxiety), disordered eating, and coping skills (mindfulness) as factors that might influence SD. Using cluster analysis, researchers grouped participants into three groups based on their psychological profiles:

• Moderate well-being.
• Positive well-being (lowest anxiety, depression, and highest mindfulness).
• Negative well-being (highest anxiety, depression, and lowest mindfulness).

Results suggested that higher mindfulness was associated with increased sexual arousal. This supports earlier research that mindfulness can enhance sexual well-being by promoting a nonjudgmental awareness of body sensations. Older age also correlated with higher sexual arousal, aligning with studies that show decreased sexual difficulties with age.

On the other hand, the researchers found that more inappropriate eating attitudes appeared to be linked to reduced sexual desire. This is consistent with research on the negative impact of eating disorders on sexual function.

Overall, the women in the study reported lower sexual arousal compared to their male counterparts, reflecting societal influences on women’s sexual reporting and behavior.

The study acknowledged the cultural reluctance in Lebanon to discuss sexual health, noting that most people avoid discussing sexual difficulties – even with their primary care providers. This highlights the need for awareness campaigns to destigmatize sexual health discussions. The findings suggest that integrating mindfulness into mental health practices could help.

Despite its limitations, this study offers valuable insights into SD among Lebanese university students. Future research could – and should – explore additional factors, such as religion and emotional intelligence. The authors also suggested that longitudinal studies to evaluate mindfulness interventions for SD in Lebanon could be enlightening.

IN OTHER PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY NEWS

• The Journal for Clinical Psychiatry has published research that reveals a link between obstetric complications and mood and anxiety disorders.
• PCC also published a paper that shows how difficult-to-control negative repetitive thoughts can manifest as ruminations or obsessions. Appropriate early identification and intervention can help treat and prevent an episode of psychiatric illness.
• Another JCP paper shows that suicide and homicide risk is at its highest at night – especially among young adults and drinkers, but not among those with a history of suicidal ideation or attempts.
• Additional reporting illustrated how knowledge of nonpharmacologic approaches can facilitate the timely and appropriate use of psychotropics to help treat alcohol abuse.
• Finally, JCP has published a commentary piece that discusses the need for qualitative research to fill gaps in today’s understanding of postpartum psychosis, as well as the barriers that make conducting this research a challenge.