Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
14:55
Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
Published on: April 18, 2011
Psychological and sexual functioning of persons suffering from post-SSRI sexual dysfunction - cases study
Kacper Gargul1, Beata Pastwa-Wojciechowska1,2
1Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
Current Issues in Personality Psychology
|April 16, 2025
Summary
Post-SSRI syndrome can cause persistent sexual dysfunction after stopping selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This report explores cases of PSSD and contrasting positive SSRI effects, highlighting the need for more research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Post-SSRI syndrome (PSSD) involves persistent effects after discontinuing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- Research has primarily focused on somatic symptoms, neglecting the psychological impact of PSSD.
- The psychological consequences of PSSD remain insufficiently explored in scientific literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological and sexual consequences of SSRI use and discontinuation.
- To present case studies illustrating both negative and potentially positive impacts of SSRIs on sexual function.
- To highlight the current gaps in understanding PSSD.
Main Methods:
- Case report methodology.
- Presentation of two cases of PSSD.
- Presentation of two contrasting cases with positive SSRI effects on sexual and mental health.
Main Results:
- SSRIs can cause a wide spectrum of sexual side effects.
- Sexual dysfunction following SSRI use may persist long-term.
- In some instances, SSRIs have demonstrated a positive impact on sexual functioning.
Conclusions:
- The study contributes novel insights into SSRI-related sexual dysfunction.
- There is a significant need for further systematic research into PSSD.
- Future research should prioritize clinical trials to understand pathogenesis and develop treatments for PSSD.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
01:17Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
Sexual stimulation can take various forms, such as physical touch and visual or auditory cues. When this happens, the parasympathetic reflex in the sacral portion of the spinal cord is activated. This reflex stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO), which then dilates the arterioles in the penis, increasing blood flow to the erectile tissues - the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum.
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
01:23Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital
The genital stage is the final phase of Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, beginning at puberty, around age 12. During this stage, sexual energy shifts from self-focused interests to external individuals, marking the development of mature adult sexuality. Freud saw this phase as a time of sexual reawakening, with desires directed toward others outside the family. A healthy transition into this stage, according to Freud, signifies the emergence of two key aspects of adult...
01:14Psychosexual Theory of Development
Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory of development suggests that early childhood experiences significantly shape personality and behavior. Freud proposed that development is discontinuous, occurring in five distinct stages, each defined by a focus on different erogenous zones. He believed that failure to resolve the conflicts specific to each stage successfully could result in fixation, potentially influencing behavior as adults.
The Five Stages of Psychosexual Development
Freud's psychosexual...
The Five Stages of Psychosexual Development
Freud's psychosexual...