Prevalence of Somatic Symptoms, Sexual Dysfunction, and Domestic Violence in Female Patients with Anxiety Disorders

Background: The weight of anxiety disorders disproportionately burdens women. Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of sexual dysfunction (SD), somatic symptoms, and domestic abuse in women with anxiety disorders is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment. Aim: This study aimed to establish the prevalence of somatic symptoms, SD, and domestic violence in female patients with anxiety disorder. Methods: By purposive sampling, female patients with anxiety disorder who availed themselves of psychiatric services at a tertiary care hospital, after obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent, were included in the study. They were assessed using a sociodemographic pro forma, the self-reported Somatic Symptom Scale-China, the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, and the composite abuse scale (revised)-short form. Results: The study participants were 170 married women with a mean age of 36.86 years who had been clinically diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. The majority of the participants were from urban areas (66.5%), Hindu (70%), had received secondary or tertiary education (92.4%), and were in arranged marriages (71.8%). The prevalence of somatic symptoms was high among anxious women, but the study found no statistical difference between women with SD. Positive correlations were found between SD and age, education, arranged marriage, number of children, hormonal contraception, and monthly per capita income. Conclusion: The study finds a high prevalence of SD in women with anxiety, influenced by socioeconomic and life-stage factors. While somatic symptoms were present, they did not directly correlate with SD. Intimate partners significantly impact sexual health.