The Effect of Targeted Education on Sexual Side Effects in Patients With Schizophrenia and Diabetes or Prediabetes

What this Trial Is About

Sexual dysfunction includes conditions that prevent a satisfying sex life and is common among people with mental illnesses, particularly those treated with psychiatric medications. It is also linked to diabetes, a frequent health issue in psychiatric patients. This research evaluates whether targeted education for patients with schizophrenia and diabetes or prediabetes and their healthcare providers can improve how sexual side effects are managed, change medication use, and reduce the severity or perception of these side effects. The study is a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing educational interventions given to patients, healthcare professionals, or both versus a group receiving no education. The educational sessions are held at Assertive Community Treatment Centers and last three 30-minute sessions for patients and one 60-minute session for healthcare professionals. These sessions, led by specialists in clinical pharmacology, psychiatry, and clinical sexology, cover sexuality basics, how psychopharmacology affects sexuality, and possible management strategies. The study has four groups: patient education only, healthcare professional education only, both groups educated, and a control group with no intervention. Participants will be assessed at the start and six months after the education using the Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire-14. Researchers will monitor changes in medication use, how often sexual side effects are discussed during clinical visits, treatment adherence, and shared decision-making throughout the study. The total participation period includes the educational intervention and a six-month follow-up to evaluate lasting effects on sexual dysfunction and treatment management.

Sex, Psychopharmacology, and Diabetes