ReviewEuropean archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience2026
Exploring sexuality, sexual well-being and intimacy in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.
Review in European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
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Abstract
introductionSexuality and intimacy are central dimensions of identity, emotional well-being, social connectedness, and quality of life. In individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs), these domains may be profoundly affected by illness-related, psychological, interpersonal, social, institutional, and treatment-related factors. Although antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction is clinically relevant, a broader understanding of patients' subjective experiences is needed to capture the meaning of sexuality, intimacy, and relational well-being in this population.
methodsA systematic review was conducted in accordance with the ENTREQ framework. PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO were searched to identify qualitative and mixed-methods studies exploring patients' subjective experiences of sexuality, sexual well-being, intimate relationships, and antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction in SSDs.
resultsFifteen reports from 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis identified six overarching descriptive themes: (1) illness-related challenges to sexual well-being, (2) abuse and traumatic experiences, (3) beliefs about sexuality, (4) the role of the healthcare system, (5) barriers and facilitators of sexual well-being, and (6) antipsychotic-induced sexual side effects. Patients' accounts showed that sexuality was not limited to sexual functioning, but was closely connected to self-image, stigma, emotional closeness, relational opportunities, trauma, institutional restrictions, and communication with clinicians. The analytical synthesis indicated that these factors interacted through their effects on self-image, relational confidence, opportunities for intimacy, and sexual agency, potentially reinforcing vulnerability or supporting well-being and personal recovery.
conclusionsSexual well-being in individuals with SSDs is shaped by medication-related, relational, psychological, and healthcare-related factors. These findings support the integration of sexuality into patient-centred psychiatric care.
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