ArticleInternational journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being2026
"It's taken away the most fundamental things about being human": the lived experience and impact of post-SSRI sexual dysfunction.
Article in International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
purposeIt has become increasingly recognized that sexual side effects from serotonergic antidepressants can last long after the medication has been discontinued, but little is known about the lived experience of post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) and its impact on people's identities, relationships, and mental health. This qualitative study aimed to understand the experiences of people living with PSSD in the United Kingdom.
methodsTen participants were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview, and the data were analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach.
resultsThree themes, encompassing eight subthemes, were identified: (1) distrustful of professionals; (2) a changed me; and (3) living with the impact. The participants discussed their experiences of being dismissed and unheard, feeling emotionally numb, and making sense of the change and losses they have experienced. Implications for clinical practice include the importance of professionals being aware of PSSD and its potential impact.
conclusionsPSSD can affect every aspect of daily life, impacting more than just individuals' sexual functioning and satisfaction. Further research is needed on effective treatments, including psychological interventions, which can offer meaningful support.
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