Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction: Exploration of the Sexual Domains and Symptoms
Summary
The aim of this study was to investigate post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) in former antidepressant users - in comparison with a control group. In a cross-sectional design, 117 former selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) users (68.4% female) and 123 control participants with no history of antidepressant use (67.5% female) completed an online questionnaire assessing sexual pleasure, frequency, desire, orgasm, arousal and sexual dysfunction symptoms associated with antidepressant use. Former SSRI users reported significantly more antidepressant-associated symptoms and lower levels of sexual pleasure than the control group. Implications of these results for the understanding of PSSD in clinicians, patients and researchers are discussed. Conclusively, this study builds on the current evidence for PSSD and highlights new possibilities for research in the area.