Sexuality and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia continue to have sexual lives despite the nature of their illness. Sexuality, sexual relationships and sexual functioning are all important quality-of-life issues for these patients. Clinicians should be aware of this and not be hesitant to inquire as to the patient's experience and functioning in these areas. The importance of the patient's sexual life should be reflected in our quality of life questionnaires, and be incorporated as part of psychiatric rehabilitation programs through formal sex education. (Int J Psych Clin Pract 2000; 4:29-33).