PERSISTENT POST-ANTIDEPRESSANT SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
CLINICAL INVISIBILITY AND IMPACTS ON HEALTH AND SEXUALITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35919/rbsh.v37.1371Keywords:
Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction, Antidepressants, Persistent adverse effects, Genital anestesia, PSSDAbstract
Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) is a persistent iatrogenic condition characterized by symptoms such as genital anesthesia, loss of libido, anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction, and lack of sexual pleasure that persist even after the discontinuation of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Despite a growing number of reports, PSSD remains underreported, poorly understood, and absent from major diagnostic manuals. This study aims to critically review the scientific literature on PSSD, propose a diagnostic flowchart based on recognized clinical criteria, and discuss overlooked aspects of medical listening, psychosocial impacts on patients, and the urgent need to reassess current SSRI prescribing practices. The study emphasizes the need for new clinical protocols and investment in high-quality research to advance the understanding, recognition, and treatment of this syndrome.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Vitor Salles Coelho dos Reis, Guilherme Gomes Einsfeld Oliveira, Rafael Lopes da Silva, Maria Helena Durães Alves Monteiro
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