RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITOR-INDUCED LIBIDO DISTURBANCE IN WOMEN

The purpose of this retrospective review was to estimate the incidence of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced sexual dysfu nction in female psychiatric patients. 444 outpatient charts were revi ewed for inclusion. 95 patients with birth years between 1945 and 1977 , with a record of SSRI pharmacotherapy while under psychiatric care, and with records documenting drug utilisation and ongoing libido distu rbances, were identified. Data collected included gender, age, medicat ions, primary diagnosis, libido disturbance at initial visit (if any), and ongoing incidence of dysfunction after initiation of SSRI therapy . The primary outcome measure was a symptom assessment sheet, which wa s completed by each outpatient at every clinic visit to survey symptom s that the patient might be experiencing. Results included a populatio n ranging in birth year from 1946 to 1977 (1959 +/- 8.3). Medications surveyed included paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline and fluvoxamine. 40 of 95 patients had no initial dysfunction present. 18 of these 30 ( 45%) experienced libido disturbance after less than year of therapy wi th an SSRI. These data suggest that SSRI-induced libido disturbance oc curs frequently in women, and can assist the clinician in providing qu ality care to female patients in order to improve outcomes management.