RESEARCH PAPER
Psychological and sexual functioning of persons suffering from post-SSRI sexual dysfunction – cases study
 
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1
Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
 
2
Institute of Psychology, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
 
These authors had equal contribution to this work
 
 
Submission date: 2023-10-25
 
 
Final revision date: 2024-08-30
 
 
Acceptance date: 2024-09-12
 
 
Online publication date: 2024-10-22
 
 
Corresponding author
Kacper Gargul   

Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
 
 
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
Post-SSRI syndrome is a condition following the discontinuation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) where, despite ceasing to take the pharmacological agents, the effects persist – and they may develop upon drug initiation. While most research has focused on identifying and classifying the main somatic symptoms, the psychological consequences of post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) syndrome are insufficiently explored.

Participants and procedure:
The report presents descriptions of two cases of PSSD, as well as two contrasting cases in which the effects of taking SSRI drugs seem to have had a positive impact on the mental and sexual sphere.

Results:
The results of the study indicate a wide range of sexual side effects of taking SSRI drugs. The four cases discussed are evi-dence, on the one hand, of the frequent occurrence of side effects in the form of sexual disorders that may persist without a guarantee of return to previous sexual performance. On the other hand, the presented cases show, in some situations, a positive increase in human sexual functioning.

Conclusions:
The study provides new information on the discussed issue and at the same time highlights the still insufficient scientific knowledge on this topic. In light of the present results, further systematic research is needed to explore the pathogenesis of the syndrome and develop effective interventions and treatments. Subsequent research should take into account, in particu-lar, clinical trials.

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