A qualitative study exploring the clinical phenomenology and impact of hypersexuality in patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Abstract Hypersexuality (HS) is a complex yet underreported phenomenon in Parkinson’s disease (PD), profoundly impacting patients’ lives. This study aims to systematically investigate the clinical phenomenology and manifestations of HS using qualitative methodologies. This phenomenological qualitati...
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Nature Portfolio
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79966-z |
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| author | Natalie Tayim Jalesh N. Panicker Jennifer Foley Caroline Selai Walaa G. El Sheikh |
| author_facet | Natalie Tayim Jalesh N. Panicker Jennifer Foley Caroline Selai Walaa G. El Sheikh |
| author_sort | Natalie Tayim |
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| description | Abstract Hypersexuality (HS) is a complex yet underreported phenomenon in Parkinson’s disease (PD), profoundly impacting patients’ lives. This study aims to systematically investigate the clinical phenomenology and manifestations of HS using qualitative methodologies. This phenomenological qualitative research study employed semi-structured interviews to examine hypersexuality and its impact among nine English-speaking individuals with PD. Participants were recruited from clinical settings and met specific inclusion criteria, including clinically diagnosed PD, reported hypersexuality post-PD diagnosis, and no cognitive impairment. The study adhered to ethical standards, with written informed consent obtained from all participants. Nine patients with PD (six males, mean age 61.7 ± 13.3 years, and three females, mean age 64.3 ± 5.7 years) participated. The mean age of PD onset was 51.4 ± 12.5 years, while HS onset was 54.1 ± 11.5 years, ranging from 35 to 68 years. Eight of the nine patients were in monogamous relationships. Qualitative analysis revealed ten themes. Clinical manifestations included increased preoccupation with sex, heightened desire, and altered behaviors like risk-taking. Sexual practices varied, with increased urges not necessarily leading to more frequent sex with partners; instead, behaviors like masturbation and promiscuity were common. Emotional formulations ranged from negative to neutral, influenced by whether patients internalized or externalized their hypersexuality. Insight varied, with some patients viewing HS as natural and others seeing it as conflicting with their values. Control over HS was mixed, with efforts to manage behaviors influenced by personal or external factors. The impact on life was predominantly negative, affecting marital closeness, family dynamics, social interactions, work efficiency, and physical health. Patients perceived mostly negative feelings from their partners regarding HS. Stigma was significant, including personal shame, social concealment, and discomfort discussing HS with health professionals. Barriers to seeking help included communication deficits, professional neglect, and stigma. Despite challenges, patients expressed a desire for better guidance and open discussions with health professionals to manage HS. This study uncovered the profound impact of HS on various facets of life such as quality of life, work, and personal relationships, elucidating the emotional distress and societal challenges faced by patients. This preliminary study on hypersexuality in neurological disorders suggests multiple avenues for future research. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5f54dfd74b5145c192392cf9962b3319 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-11-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-5f54dfd74b5145c192392cf9962b33192025-08-20T01:57:09ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222024-11-0114111610.1038/s41598-024-79966-zA qualitative study exploring the clinical phenomenology and impact of hypersexuality in patients with Parkinson’s DiseaseNatalie Tayim0Jalesh N. Panicker1Jennifer Foley2Caroline Selai3Walaa G. El Sheikh4Doha Institute for Graduate StudiesDepartment of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, UCLH NHS Foundation TrustDepartment of Neuropsychology, National Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryDepartment of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, UCLH NHS Foundation TrustFaculty of Medicine, American University of BeirutAbstract Hypersexuality (HS) is a complex yet underreported phenomenon in Parkinson’s disease (PD), profoundly impacting patients’ lives. This study aims to systematically investigate the clinical phenomenology and manifestations of HS using qualitative methodologies. This phenomenological qualitative research study employed semi-structured interviews to examine hypersexuality and its impact among nine English-speaking individuals with PD. Participants were recruited from clinical settings and met specific inclusion criteria, including clinically diagnosed PD, reported hypersexuality post-PD diagnosis, and no cognitive impairment. The study adhered to ethical standards, with written informed consent obtained from all participants. Nine patients with PD (six males, mean age 61.7 ± 13.3 years, and three females, mean age 64.3 ± 5.7 years) participated. The mean age of PD onset was 51.4 ± 12.5 years, while HS onset was 54.1 ± 11.5 years, ranging from 35 to 68 years. Eight of the nine patients were in monogamous relationships. Qualitative analysis revealed ten themes. Clinical manifestations included increased preoccupation with sex, heightened desire, and altered behaviors like risk-taking. Sexual practices varied, with increased urges not necessarily leading to more frequent sex with partners; instead, behaviors like masturbation and promiscuity were common. Emotional formulations ranged from negative to neutral, influenced by whether patients internalized or externalized their hypersexuality. Insight varied, with some patients viewing HS as natural and others seeing it as conflicting with their values. Control over HS was mixed, with efforts to manage behaviors influenced by personal or external factors. The impact on life was predominantly negative, affecting marital closeness, family dynamics, social interactions, work efficiency, and physical health. Patients perceived mostly negative feelings from their partners regarding HS. Stigma was significant, including personal shame, social concealment, and discomfort discussing HS with health professionals. Barriers to seeking help included communication deficits, professional neglect, and stigma. Despite challenges, patients expressed a desire for better guidance and open discussions with health professionals to manage HS. This study uncovered the profound impact of HS on various facets of life such as quality of life, work, and personal relationships, elucidating the emotional distress and societal challenges faced by patients. This preliminary study on hypersexuality in neurological disorders suggests multiple avenues for future research.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79966-zHypersexualityParkinson’s DiseaseClinical phenomenologyQualitative |
| spellingShingle | Natalie Tayim Jalesh N. Panicker Jennifer Foley Caroline Selai Walaa G. El Sheikh A qualitative study exploring the clinical phenomenology and impact of hypersexuality in patients with Parkinson’s Disease Scientific Reports Hypersexuality Parkinson’s Disease Clinical phenomenology Qualitative |
| title | A qualitative study exploring the clinical phenomenology and impact of hypersexuality in patients with Parkinson’s Disease |
| title_full | A qualitative study exploring the clinical phenomenology and impact of hypersexuality in patients with Parkinson’s Disease |
| title_fullStr | A qualitative study exploring the clinical phenomenology and impact of hypersexuality in patients with Parkinson’s Disease |
| title_full_unstemmed | A qualitative study exploring the clinical phenomenology and impact of hypersexuality in patients with Parkinson’s Disease |
| title_short | A qualitative study exploring the clinical phenomenology and impact of hypersexuality in patients with Parkinson’s Disease |
| title_sort | qualitative study exploring the clinical phenomenology and impact of hypersexuality in patients with parkinson s disease |
| topic | Hypersexuality Parkinson’s Disease Clinical phenomenology Qualitative |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79966-z |
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