Study of sexual side effects in patients undergoing treatment with anti-depressants

Abstract

Sexual side effects with psychotropic medications can cause major distress. Antidepressants are known to cause sexual side effects.To study the sexual side effects in patients undergoing treatment with anti-depressants.Sixty patients of both genders undergoing treatment with antidepressants and having sexual complaints due to medicines were evaluated. A semi structured questionnaire was used to record demographic details. Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used to assess sexual dysfunction.In our study majority patients were males 42 (70%) and diagnosed as having major depressive disorder 51 (85%). SSRIs were main agent responsible for the same 46 (76.7%).Majority patients reported sexual side effects with antidepressants which can affect their subjective quality of life. Hence, patients should be assessed properly for sexual issues and treated accordingly.