Frequency of Sexual Dysfunction with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) in Patients Presenting at Bolan Medical College and Teaching Hospital Quetta

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common and often underestimated adverse effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), significantly impacting quality of life, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. The multifactorial mechanisms underlying SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction and its potential persistence even after drug discontinuation underscore the need for population-specific data to guide clinical decision-making. Objective: To determine the frequency of sexual dysfunction and its associated factors among patients receiving SSRIs at Bolan Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Quetta. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Balochistan Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, from February 2023 to January 2024. A total of 240 patients aged 15–65 years who had been on SSRIs for at least 12 weeks were assessed using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with chi-square tests and logistic regression applied to explore associations. Results: Sexual dysfunction was reported by 46.7% of patients. It was significantly associated with younger age (p=0.040), male gender (p=0.001), higher education (p=0.003), and unemployment (p<0.001), while treatment duration showed no significant association (p=0.206). Conclusion: SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent and influenced by demographic and socioeconomic factors, highlighting the importance of proactive screening, patient counseling, and individualized management strategies. Keywords: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Sexual Dysfunction, Antidepressants, Depression, Risk Factors, Arizona Sexual Experience Scale