Erectile dysfunction and depression: category or dimension?

J Sex Marital Ther. 2002 Mar-Apr;28(2):175-81. doi: 10.1080/00926230252851906.

Abstract

Depression, as a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED), has received minimal systematic attention. One-hundred twenty men with ED evaluated in a sexual behaviors clinic were studied. The categorical Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) diagnosis of a depressive disorder was found in only 14 subjects (14.7%). Dimensional quantification of depression was measured with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The BSI data revealed clinically significant elevations of depression and other dysphoric affects. The presence of a comorbid medical diagnosis did not affect the rates of categorical diagnosis of depression or the dimensional levels. The five factors of personality in the NEO-PI were within normal range. The data demonstrates that men with ED are affectively distressed but infrequently meet criteria for categorical DSM-IV depression.

MeSH terms

  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged