Research Information System
KLINIK PSIKIYATRI DERGISI-TURKISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY, vol.22, no.1, pp.27-35, 2019 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the psychological and sexual experiences of postmenopausal women. Method: This cross-sectional study included 100 females (50 postmenopausal and 50 non-menopausal women). The symptoms of menopause were assessed by the Menopausal Symptoms Scale (MRS), psychological symptoms were assessed by the Symptoms Check List (SCL-R 90), and sexual functions were evaluated by the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). Results: The findings indicated that mean scores of all subscales of the SCL-R 90 were significantly higher among postmenopausal women in comparison with non-menopausal women. No significant differences were found between postmenopausal and non-menopausal women in terms of sexual satisfaction. However, mean scores of vaginusmus and anorgasmia subscales of the GRISS were significantly higher in postmenopausal women than non-menopausal women. Discussion: This study showed that menopause may affect women's mental health because of its psychological consequences. Although menopause can influence sexuality because of physical consequences, findings indicated that menopausal women tend to report they still have sexual satisfaction. Multidimensional health care including psychological support could be efficient for menopausal women.