(669) Sexual Health Education in a Psychiatric Day Hospital: Effects of a Psychoeducational Group on ASEX Scores

Introduction Sexual dysfunction is a common but often overlooked concern in psychiatric populations. Despite its prevalence, sexuality is rarely addressed in clinical settings. Psychoeducational interventions delivered in psychiatric day hospitals offer an opportunity to foster sexual health literacy, challenge stigma, and improve patients’ subjective sexual well-being. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) is a concise and validated tool for assessing five key domains of sexual functioning - sexual drive, arousal, penile erection or vaginal lubrication, ability to reach orgasm and satisfaction with orgasm. Objective To assess the efficacy of a 12-week psychoeducational group intervention in improving sexual functioning among psychiatric outpatients attending a day hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. Methods This prospective, naturalistic study involved a psychoeducational group program consisting of one hour weekly sessions, with a duration of twelve weeks. Topics explored were diverse, such as sexual development, sexual response, body image, consent, desire, intimacy and bonding, relationships, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted infections and the impact of mental illness and psychotropic medication on sexuality. Participants completed the ASEX questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. Results A total of 16 participants, consisting of 12 women and 4 men, with a mean age of 32.5 years, completed the program. Diagnoses included affective disorders (n=9), psychotic disorders (n=1), borderline personality disorder (n=3), and neurodevelopmental disorders (n=3). Pharmacological regimens varied across the sample, from monotherapy with antidepressants or antipsychotics to complex polypharmacy. The mean ASEX score decreased from 14.5 pre-intervention to 13.06 post-intervention. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.015), indicating improved subjective sexual functioning. Greater improvements were observed among participants diagnosed with depressive disorders and those on monotherapy. No clinically meaningful deteriorations were reported. Conclusions This study reinforces the feasibility and relevance of integrating sexuality-focused psychoeducational groups within psychiatric day hospital programs. The statistically significant reduction in ASEX scores observed suggests that this low-intensity intervention can produce measurable improvements in patients’ perceived sexual functioning. In addition to reducing distress and stigma around sexuality, these groups fostered dialogue, self-awareness, and normalization of sexual concerns in a safe therapeutic environment. These findings highlight the importance of routinely addressing sexual health in psychiatric care and support the development of tailored interventions that consider diagnostic and pharmacological variables. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are warranted to consolidate and expand on these results. Disclosure No