Post-Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Sexual Dysfunctions (PSSD): Clinical Experience with a Multimodal Approach

Abstract

Background : Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) is a set of heterogeneous sexual disorders, that may arise during the administration of antidepressant Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) and may persist after their discontinuation. PSSD is commonly associated with sexual problems with marked distress and poor quality of life. To date, however, no effective treatment is available. The study describes the clinical experience with a newly introduced systems sexology approach involving bio-psycho-social interventions. Methods : In this study we retrospectively analyzed (from July 2019 to July 2020) twelve PSSD male patients (mean age 31.3 ± 6.21 years old) treated according to a recently introduced approach involving system sexology and bio-psycho-social interventions. The protocol was based on a combination of lifestyle changes, nutritional supplementation, pharmacological and behavioral interventions. Results : 12 patients with high probability of PSSD were selected. Patients reported a significant improvement in all International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF) domains and Orgasmometer scores from the baseline at 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions : This study described for the first time a feasible and handy treatment procedure for PSSD, framework to improve patients complains, sexual function and satisfaction, and quality of life. Future randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies with bigger cohorts will be needed in order to better assess this efficacy and confirm our results.