Psychiatria pre prax 2/2015

Sexual dysfunction persisting after treatment with antidepressants

One of side effects related to antidepressant treatment is development of sexual dysfunction, where conventional wisdom holds that this side effect resolve after discontinuing treatment. The emerging evidence that treatment-related sexual side effects can persist in some patients even after stopping their medications, failed to support this assumption. Symptoms atypical for common clinical picture of sexual dysfunction such as genital anaesthesia and pleasureless orgasm were described in these patients. Currently it is not known what causes this state, but is becoming increasingly clear that epigenetic changes that include alteration of central nervous system and peripheral organs are involved. Recently, it was found that dopaminergic agents and in some cases phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors can improve the symptoms.

Keywords: antidepressants, sexual side effects, persistent sexual dysfunction after discontinuation of antidepressants, PSSD.