Study of sexual side effects in patients undergoing treatment with anti-depressants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18231/j.pjms.2022.094Keywords:
Sexual disorder, Side effect, Major depressive disorder, AntidepressantsAbstract
Background: Sexual side effects with psychotropic medications can cause major distress. Antidepressants are known to cause sexual side effects.
Aim: To study the sexual side effects in patients undergoing treatment with anti-depressants.
Materials and Methods: 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.
Results: 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%).
Conclusions: 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.
