[Characteristic and treatment of sexual dysfunctions in depression (part I)]

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2011 Sep;31(183):193-6.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction in patients diagnosed with depressive disorders affect all phases of sexual response: a decline in libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders in men and orgasm and menstruation in women. It is estimated that are present in approximately 70% of patients, affecting 23-50% of men suffering from depression and 33-90% of women. The most common symptoms include disorders of sexual arousal in women (usually in the form of excessive vaginal dryness), erectile dysfunction in men and affects both sexes abnormal orgasm (anorgasmia or delayed). Sexual dysfunction is treated as a potential side effect of antidepressant therapy. These drugs can exacerbate the symptoms of primary sexual dysfunction, and induce it in those patients who were not present before treatment. Symptoms of sexual dysfunction reduces quality of life, self-esteem, mood, and negatively affect the relationship with your partner. Most currently used antidepressants in the world leads to the occurrence of sexual dysfunction. These include monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine, and a new generation of antidepressants. SSRIs are considered to be preparations for the largest iatrogenic effect. Sexual dysfunction resulting from treatment with antidepressant among the most serious reasons for discontinuation by the patients.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Comorbidity
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Quality of Life
  • Self Concept
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / diagnosis*
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / epidemiology*
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / therapy*