SSRI’s and Sexual Dysfunction
With so many people presenting to their general practitioner with symptoms on the depression continuum, prescriptions for SSRI’s or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is continually on the rise. These are the most common form of anti depressant and are used  because of their favourable results avoiding negative side effects.
However, studies have shown that SSRI’s can lead to increased sexual dysfunction in both men and women. These side effects can include difficulty reaching orgasm, anorgasmia (inability to reach orgasm at all, despite adequate stimulation), erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido. For many these symptoms add to the general state of depression that they are taking the medication for in the first place.
In my practice, I have found that by using hypnosis as a means of taking the pressure off the client to perform is a very useful approach when dealing with people suffering from the effects of SSRI’s and sexual dysfunction. Sometimes reminding people that the purpose of sexual congress is about love and not biomechanics helps them to realise that performance is not the most important thing, but rather the feeling for the partner is.
Through therapy clients can often re-acquaint themselves with the emotions associated with sex and live much happier lives not restricted by the narrowness of performance.
