title: Spontaneous remission of SSRI-induced orgasm delay.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Orgasm delay is a common side effect of SSRIs,causing negative influence on patients' compliance and quality of life. A possible strategy for the management of SSRI-induced orgasm delay is waiting for tolerance to develop. The authors studied the natural course of SSRI-induced orgasm delay over a period of 6 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred eight patients having been started on SSRIs were included in an open, naturalistic study. Sexual dysfunction was assessed at monthly intervals using a structured interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-six patients developed clinically relevant SSRI-induced orgasm delay. Eight patients (30.8%) reported complete remission of sexual dysfunction, while four patients (15.4%) noted a marked improvement. Four patients (15.4%) continued to describe severe orgasm delay at the end of the observation period. High severity of orgasm delay significantly correlated with lack of remission.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A significant proportion of patients, especially those with mild to moderate orgasm delay, develop tolerance within 6 months.
authors.affiliation: e.m.haberfellner@aon.at
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Haberfellner
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rittmannsberger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors