PREDICTORS OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN VETERANS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER 

Background: The problems in sexual functioning among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often overlooked although scientific research confirms high rates of sexual dysfunctions (SD) particularly among veterans with PTSD. The main objective is to systematically identify predictors of the SD among veterans with PTSD. 
Methods: Three hundred veterans with PTSD are included in the cross-sectional study. The following assessment is conducted: MINI, LEC-5, PCL-5, ITQ, IIEF, PEDT, and RAS. Several hierarchical multiple regressions were performed to test for best prediction models for outcome variables of different types of SD. 
Results: 65% of participants has provisional diagnosis of SD. All tested prediction models show good model fit. The significant individual predictors are cluster D symptoms (for all types of SD) and in relationship status/relationship satisfaction (all except for PE). 
Conclusions: The most salient implication is the importance of sexual health assessment in veterans with PTSD. Therapeutic interventions should be focused on D symptoms and intended to improve relationship functioning with the aim to lessen the rates of SD. Psychotropic treatment with fewer adverse sexual effects is crucial for better treatment compliance and outcomes. Appropriate prevention, screening and treatment of medical conditions could improve sexual functioning in veterans with PTSD.

Conflicts of Interest / Disclosure: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors

Authors
Marina Letica Crepulja, Aleksandra Stevanović, Marina Protuđer, Tanja Frančišković
Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Department of Psychiatry, Referral Center for PTSD of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia

08 - PREDICTORS OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN VETERANS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER