Who are we?
We are an association for people in the UK experiencing an iatrogenic (meaning caused by a medication or medical treatment) disorder known commonly as Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction or Post SSRI/SNRI Sexual Dysfunction. This disorder arises during or after the use of SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) and SNRI (Serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor) antidepressants. Though characterized by a reduction or removal of sexual functioning, common symptoms also include emotional blunting, cognitive dysfunction, genital numbness and other symptoms. The causes of PSSD are poorly understood and there are no known reliable treatments. The disorder can arise from brief exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs and can persist for months, years or indefinitely. Though recognised by the European Medicines Agency, PSSD is not yet officially acknowledged by the Department of Health, the NHS or NICE guidelines. The association and website exist to bring together people in the UK suffering from this condition and advocate for recognition, research and greater transparency within psychiatry concerning the risks of antidepressants.
