Hyperprolactinemia and Sexual dysfunction arefrequent, yetseldom studied, complications of the use of risperidone Objectives: To determine the prevalence and clinical correlates of sexual dysfunctions and hyperprolactinemia in a sample of youngpeople with schizophrenia treated with risperidone Methods: 40 outpatients (19females; mean age: 27years) with schizophrenia treated with risperidone, participated in the study Sexual dysfunction and quality oflife were assessed with the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ) and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), respectively Allpatients were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the UKU side effect rating scale. Blood samples were analyzed for prolactine. Results: Hyperprolactinemia was found in 90% ofpatients, with levéis significantly higher in women. Sexual dysfunctions occurred in 25 (62.5%) patients. Patients with and without sexual dysfunction, did not significantly differ in gender, age or years of treatment. Although no association was found with prolactinemia or the dose of risperidone, patients with sexual dysfunction reported more psychic and neurologic side effects, and had higher scores in the negative symptoms and general psychopatology subscales ofthe PANSS and lower scores in the physical health and mood items of the Q-LES-Q. Conclusions: Results confirm the high prevalence of hyperprolactinemia and sexual dysfunctions in people with schizophrenia. Further study is warranted in order to clarify the association between sexual dysfunction and risperidone treatment in clinical practice and its impact in the quality oflife ofthe patients.