Exposure to serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and sexual dysfunction: Results from an online survey

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Patacchini, Arianna^a | Cosci, Fiammetta^{a; b; c;}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy | [b] Clinical Pharmacopsychology Laboratory, University of Florence, Florence, Italy | [c] Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Fiammetta Cosci, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, via di San Salvi 12, 50135 Florence, Italy. Tel.: +39 (055)2755066; Fax: +39 (055)6236047; E-mail: fiammetta.cosci@unifi.it

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) is characterized by sexual and emotional symptoms associated to the exposure to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) or Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI). OBJECTIVE:The present study provides a comprehensive picture on demographic and clinical characteristics associated to PSSD. METHODS:An online survey was run on subjects self-declaring as affected by PSSD. The survey collected socio-demographic and clinical data via questions created ad hoc and three standardized scales (Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, World Health Organization Wellbeing Index). RESULTS:A total of 135 subjects (115 males; mean age 31.9 ± 8.9 years) was analysed. The syndrome was more represented among young, heterosexual males after the exposure to SSRI/SNRI at relatively high doses. The major findings involved the temporal sequence of symptoms: 118 subjects had symptoms both during and after SSRI/SNRI administration, and 17 only after, thus deposing for a iatrogenic action of SSRI/SNRI. Different variables, represented by both emotional and sexual symptoms, accounted for the variability of the severity of the sexual dysfunction as well as of wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS:Based on the present results, PSSD is a complex iatrogenic syndrome in need of being further studied and understood.

Keywords: Sexual dysfunction, SSRI, PSSD, discontinuation, SNRI

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-200074

Journal: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 229-242, 2021