SSRIs INDUCED SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Abstract

TITLE- Study of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) induced sexual dysfunction. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: This prospective study assessed changes in sexual functioning in chronically depressed men and women during treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). METHODOLOGY: Ninety six subjects (50 women, 46 men) with DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of major depressive disorder on medication with SSRIs for minimum one month were assessed for sexual dysfunction on the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. RESULTS: As measured by scores on the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale; 80% of the study population had sexual dysfunction; overall sexual dysfunction was significantly more in men compared from women. In men, ease of orgasm and orgasm satisfaction was significantly less than women and there was a trend toward worsening sex drive than women. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is a common adverse effect of antidepressant treatment. Physicians should monitor their patients for antidepressant-induced sexual adverse effects, as these may affect compliance with therapy and ultimate treatment success