The evaluation of putting to use the internet sexual contents by schizophrenia patients. A preliminary report on anonymous questionnaire survey

Abstract

Background. Sexual activity in schizophrenia may constitute an indirect and direct effect of social functioning, limited ability to control impulses and defect symptoms such as loss of interests and anhedonia. The aim of this paper is to present preliminary results of the study on Online Sexual Activity of schizophrenia patients.
Material and methods. A Sexuological Questionnaire was used in the study. The tool (created on the basis of ICD-10 criteria) enables to diagnose sexual dysfunctions and disorders as well as the contents observed on the internet and the evaluation of its effects on the study participants’ sex life.
Results. 71,6% of the respondents declared that they visit the sites with sexual content and used them to satisfy their sexual drive. The results pointed to a frequency of visiting the sites presenting contents connected to specific disturbed sexual preferences and the positive and negative effects of visiting pornography sites - as seen by the participants of the study (the fulfillment of sexual drive, addiction).
Conclusions. There is a need to continue the studies on benefits and risks resulting from using the sexuallyoriented sites by patients with schizophrenia.