Lower self-reported depression in patients with erectile dysfunction after treatment with sildenafil

BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) may improve under successful ED treatment. Self-reported depressive symptoms were compared in men with ED after sildenafil treatment to a group of untreated patients. METHODS: In an open study, self-reported depressive symptoms of 54 men after successful treatment with sildenafil (>4 weeks) and 51 men awaiting ED treatment were investigated with the Center of Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). CES-D items were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis and group differences in CES-D items and factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Groups were comparable with respect to demographic characteristics and illness duration. CES-D total scores were lower in the group treated with sildenafil. Substantial differences were found in favor of the group treated with sildenafil, particularly in scores on a "positive affect" factor. CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasize the relevance of depression associated with ED and the importance of effective ED treatment. Although depression was generally low in this sample, hedonistic aspects were substantially enhanced in the group of ED patients after sildenafil treatment. LIMITATIONS: The open and cross-sectional study design does not permit causal inference. Selection bias and motivational aspects to participate in the study can not completely be ruled out.