INTRODUCTION

Many forms of mental disorders, especially psychotic disorders are characterized also by a worsening of sexual functioning. The main aim of this study was to validate in the Italian context the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), a very useful international tool to assess sexual dysfunction in people suffering from mental illness.

METHODS

Seventy-three patients suffering from psychotic spectrum disorders were recruited. We administered the Italian version of ASEX, adequately translated by two expert bilinguals. After 15 days we administered once again the test for test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

Validation of ASEX revealed Cronbach's coefficients >0.70 in both single items as in the total score. In addition, the test-retest reliability revealed Pearson's coefficients >0.50 in the various domains. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed good fit indexes for the two factors model of ASEX (SRMR=0.54; CFI=0.974; RMSEA=0.135).

DISCUSSION

This study represents the first validation in the Italian psychiatric context of a very useful specific tool for the sexual assessment in people suffering from mental illness. Our analysis after the ASEX administration revealed good psychometric characteristics in terms of confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of our results and consideration, we strongly suggest the use of ASEX in clinical context to assess the sexual function of patients with severe mental disorders.