Sexual and Reproductive Health in Adolescents and Young Adults With Psychotic Disorders: A Scoping Review.
Mark L Vickers, Yoon Kwon Choi, Lars Eriksson, Yekaterina Polyakova-Nelson, Zorica Jokovic, Stephen D Parker, Vikas Moudgil, Judith A Dean, Joseph Debattista, James G Scott
Author Information
Mark L Vickers: Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. ORCID
Yoon Kwon Choi: Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. ORCID
Lars Eriksson: Herston Health Sciences Library, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Yekaterina Polyakova-Nelson: Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, Brisbane, Australia.
Zorica Jokovic: Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, Brisbane, Australia.
Stephen D Parker: Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. ORCID
Vikas Moudgil: Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Judith A Dean: School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. ORCID
Joseph Debattista: Metro North Public Health Unit, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia.
James G Scott: Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. ORCID
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of young people with psychosis has been largely overlooked. We hypothesised that there are key deficiencies in the existing literature on the SRH of adolescents and young adults with psychotic disorders. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a systematic scoping review using Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. We included empirical studies and case reports focused on SRH issues in young people (aged 14-24 years) with psychotic disorders. A qualitative synthesis was completed. Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools were utilized to assess study quality. STUDY RESULTS: Seventeen empirical studies and 52 case reports met inclusion criteria. Most focused on sexual dysfunction which was identified as common among this cohort and associated with both psychotic disorders and antipsychotics. The study population was more likely to engage in sexual risk-taking behavior and was at higher risk of sexually transmissible infections than those without psychosis. SRH topics of clinical relevance in older patients with psychosis such as pregnancy, abortion, sexual violence, coercion, sexual identity, and gender were poorly addressed in this younger group. We found empirical studies generally lacked identification and controlling of confounders whilst case reports provided limited description of mental health and SRH outcomes following clinical intervention. CONCLUSION: Research and clinical practice addressing sexual and reproductive health is needed for young people living with psychosis. To address research gaps future studies should focus on women's health, sexual violence, gender, and sexuality in young people with psychosis.
