Evaluation of body image, sexual dysfunctions and quality of life in female patients with generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to compare the patients with GAD in terms of SD, body perception and quality of life with healthy controls. Methods: The study included 41 female patients and 40 healthy female individuals with an aged between 18-50 years, regular sexual life and married. The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale(ASEX), Short Form 36(SF-36), Body Cathexis Scale(BCS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used in the subjects. Patients with chronic illness, comorbid psychiatric, endocrine, alcohol or substance use disorder, drug use that could impair sexual function, pregnant, lactation, were not included in the study. Results: In ASEX, high scores were found in 44% of GAD patients and 17.5% of the control group in terms of SD. Sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm scores of ASEX correlated with the body dissatisfaction in GAD patients. Physical function, general health status, mental health scores of SF-36 were found lower in the GAD group. Discussion: As a result of these findings, it can be suggested that sexual function, body image and quality of life are negatively affected in GAD patients and that deterioration of them should be questioned as well as symptomatic relief in patients’ follow-up and treatment.