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. 2024 Nov;53(10):3739-3745.
doi: 10.1007/s10508-024-02977-4. Epub 2024 Aug 19.

Distressing Problems with Sexual Function and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Simone Y Goldberg  1 , Maya C Thulin  2 , Hyoun S Kim  3   4 , Samantha J Dawson  5
Affiliations

Distressing Problems with Sexual Function and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Simone Y Goldberg et al. Arch Sex Behav. 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Cognitive models of sexual dysfunction situate distraction as a core mechanism underlying difficulties with sexual function. It follows that individuals who have difficulties with inattention and distractibility (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; ADHD) may be at increased risk of problems with their sexual function, though previous research is mixed, and no research has examined links with sexual distress despite distress being a necessary criterion for sexual dysfunction. The goals of the current study were to: (1) examine associations between ADHD symptoms, sexual function, and sexual distress; (2) examine group differences in sexual function and sexual distress as a function of presumptive ADHD diagnosis; and (3) establish whether individuals with presumptive ADHD are at greater risk of distressing problems with sexual function relative to controls. In a large mixed-gender community sample (N = 943: controls n = 837, presumptive ADHD n = 106), we found that ADHD symptoms were positively correlated with worse overall sexual function, as well as orgasm difficulties and greater sexual distress. Relative to controls, individuals with presumptive ADHD reported worse sexual function and greater sexual distress, controlling for age, biological sex, and sexual orientation. Individuals with presumptive ADHD were significantly more likely (OR = 2.16) to have distressing problems with sexual function than controls. Core difficulties related to ADHD, including inattention, distractibility, and emotion dysregulation, may make individuals more vulnerable to experiencing problems with sexual function and sexual distress, putting them at risk for developing sexual dysfunction. Taken together, these data support associations between ADHD and distressing sexual function problems, including possible mechanisms explaining these links such as difficulties with emotion regulation.

Keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; DSM-5; Sexual distress; Sexual dysfunction; Sexual function.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors report there are no competing interests to declare. Ethical Approval: All study procedures were approved by the Behavioural Research Ethics Board at the University of British Columbia (BREB #H23-02212) and Toronto Metropolitan University (BREB # 2022-433). Informed Consent: All participants provided informed consent prior to participation in the study.

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