A Study of Sexual Side Effects Induced by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Treatment

Kim, Jeong Woong; Kim, Seung Hyun; Joe, Sook Haeng

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Adverse effects on sexual functions induced by antidepressant medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) have been reported. The reported incidences of sexual dysfunctions varies with the way of questioning, with relatively low on self reporting and high on direct questioning and symptom questionnaires. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency and nature of sexual dysfunctions during SSRIs treatment in outpatients with depressive disorder and anxiety disorder.
METHODS
Seventy seven patients on SSRI therapy(fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine) were enrolled in this study. The six aspects of sexual function were investigated:sexual desire, sexual excitement, sexual pain, orgasm, erection and ejaculation. BDI, S-A, T-A and questionnaires on sexual side effects and on other side effects of SSRIs were measured. The frequency and the severity of sexual dysfunctions were measured. Sexual side effects and other side effects of SSRIs were analyzed in association with the duration and the dose of SSRI treatment and the severity of depression and anxiety.
RESULTS
The frequency of sexual dysfunction during SSRI use in our study was 38.96%. Women reported more sexual dysfunction(sexual desire, sexual excitement, orgasm). Also, women's sexual dysfunction was more intense. The most common sexual dysfunction was delayed orgasm(or anorgasmia) in women and ejaculatory difficulty in men. In patients with depressive disorder, the frequency of sexual dysfunctions was higher than in patients with anxiety disorder, which was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that SSRIs-associated female sexual dysfunction occurs substantially higher and is more severe than expected. It is important to pay attention to female sexual dysfunction during treatment with SSRIs. The sexual problems must be questioned directly for prompt detection of them and promotion of treatment compliance with SSRIs.