Spontaneous remission of SSRI-induced orgasm delay.
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.
Haberfellner
E M
EM
e.m.haberfellner@aon.at
Rittmannsberger
H
H
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
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors