“I would have never touched them if I’d known”: The impact of SSRI-related sexual side effects and the lived experience of post SSRI/SNRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD)

Brugi, Seraj (2026) “I would have never touched them if I’d known”: The impact of SSRI-related sexual side effects and the lived experience of post SSRI/SNRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with sexual dysfunction (SD), potentially impacting patient wellbeing and treatment compliance. Occasionally, side effects can persist after medication has been discontinued. Little is known about how patient-reported SD has been reliably measured in SSRI research, or how post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) may impact people’s lives.

Objectives.
This thesis portfolio aims to synthesise the existing evidence base regarding the use of validated, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in assessing SSRI-related SD. Moreover, this portfolio aims to explore the experiences of people living with PSSD.

Methods.
A systematic review of quantitative literature that utilised SD PROMs to assess SSRI-related SD was completed, and a qualitative study with ten participants, adopting an interpretive phenomenological analysis, was also completed.

Results.
Ten validated SD PROMs used across 27 studies were identified, with findings indicating that patient-reported SD occurs frequently following SSRIs, impacting relationships and sexual satisfaction. Moreover, PSSD can occur, significantly impacting individuals’ lives including their trust in professionals and services, relationships, identities and mental health. Conclusion. Sexual side effects caused by SSRIs are prevalent and, in some instances, can persist long after treatment. Both SSRI-related SD and PSSD are important considerations for clinical practice.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Amy Millward-Doherty
Date Deposited:	13 Nov 2026 12:50
Last Modified:	13 Nov 2026 12:50
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/105107
DOI:

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