Prevalence and Patterns of Psychosexual Dysfunction Among Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders in a Deaddiction Centre in Central India: An Observational Study

Background: Psychosexual dysfunction is common among individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), but it remains underexplored, especially in the Indian setting. Alcohol is the most frequently abused substances in India and may significantly impair sexual function through both physiological and psychological mechanisms. Aim: To determine the prevalence and types of psychosexual dysfunction among patients with alcohol use disorder admitted to a deaddiction centre. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months in the deaddiction ward of the Department of Psychiatry, Amaltas Institute of Medical Sciences, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 190 patients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder were recruited using convenience sampling. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a semistructured proforma. Standardised tools including the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ), Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) were administered. Data were analysed using Stata 17.0. Results: Out of 190 patients, all were male, with a mean ASEX total score of 19.8 ± 3.33 in alcohol users. Psychosexual dysfunction was positively associated with the severity of alcohol dependence (p=0.013) and with duration of alcohol use (p=0.0147). The most affected domains were ability to reach orgasm and penile erection. Severity of psychosexual dysfunction increased with longer duration and higher severity of alcohol dependence. Conclusion: Psychosexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among patients with alcohol use disorders. It is significantly associated with both the severity and duration of substance use. Routine screening and targeted interventions for sexual health should be integrated into deaddiction programmes to improve overall treatment outcomes.