FAQ

 Frequently Asked Questions  

For patients

  • Is PSSD curable?

    There is currently no known cure, although there have been isolated reports of sufferers stating that they are cured.

  • I suddenly stopped taking the drug instead of gradually tapering it. Could I have prevented PSSD by slowly tapering it off?

    This question cannot be answered conclusively. It is theoretically possible that stopping suddenly may increase the chance of developing PSSD.

  • I've stopped an SSRI or SSNRI at least once with no problems. Does that mean I'm "immune" to PSSD?

    Unfortunately, no. Even if you have stopped the same drug or a drug from the same group before without problems, you can develop PSSD if you start taking it again.

  • Is there somewhere I can anonymously exchange information with those affected?

    Yes, there is a (relatively new) German-speaking PSSD forum and an English-speaking PSSD forum for a long time. There you can exchange information anonymously. We also treat your data confidentially when you contact us.

  • Are there doctors who know about PSSD?

    You can contact Dr. Signerski-Warrior (University Medicine Goettingen).

  • Is it true that women are less likely to be affected by PSSD?

    There is currently no knowledge about which sex is affected more often. Men may go to the doctor more quickly if they are affected.

  • Is it true that I am more at risk of developing PSSD if I already had problems with my sexuality before taking the drug?

    No. From the observations that we make in our WhatsApp groups and in forums for those affected, it can be inferred that people who were particularly satisfied with their sex life before taking the drug or who had above-average pleasure in sexuality are more likely to seek help for PSSD -Look for complaints.

  • Is it true that PGAD (Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder) and PSSD are the same?

    The same applies here: No statements can be made about this at the moment, as it is not known what triggers PSSD. In the club environment, there are a few women who first developed PGAD and then PSSD after stopping the drug. Connections are therefore possible, but would have to be investigated more closely.

  • How is it that I've felt not only sexually numb but also emotionally numb since taking an SSRI?

    The exact mechanism of action of the various psychotropic drugs has not been sufficiently researched. So we don't know exactly what triggers the drugs in the brain. Even if, at least with SSRIs, the name alone sounds as if the drugs only act on the serotonin metabolism, that is not correct.

  • My therapist/psychiatrist/GP says PSSD doesn't exist, what should I do?

    Don't be put off or switch doctors in an emergency. You can refer to our association, to the articles on ZDF and to various articles about PSSD. You can also download our information letter and take it with you to the doctor.

  • I was prescribed an SSRI. I haven't started taking it yet and am afraid of sexual side effects.

    Speak openly with your doctor and clarify whether another medication is suitable for you, if possible not an SSRI/SNRI. Don't just be put off with the argument "I've never heard that before".

  • I'm on an SSRI, suffering from (sexual) side effects and I'm dissatisfied with this situation. What should I do?

    Don't just stop taking the medication. Instead, speak openly with your doctor and find out whether you can slowly come off the medication or whether you can switch to another medication, preferably not an SSRI/SNRI.

  • I have been taking an SSRI until recently and have had (sexual) side effects even after stopping the drug. What should I do?

    Speak openly with your doctor. If possible, take your partner or another companion with you to the interview to support you.

  • I took and stopped taking an SSRI a long time ago, but I still suffer from (sexual) side effects. I therefore suspect that I suffer from PSSD. What should I do?

    Inform your doctor. If possible, bring your partner with you to the interview for support.

For healthcare professionals

  • Take the reports of your patients seriously. The European Medicines Agency has recognized that SSRIs and SNRIs can lead to persistent sexual dysfunction. PSSD can be extremely distressing for patients. The feeling of not being taken seriously makes the situation much worse.


  • Look at our list of links, there you will find some interesting studies. Write to us if you are interested in further information. Inform colleagues about PSSD alternative medicines if possible. As a doctor, report the undesirable side effects to the BfArM. You can find the link here or in our link list.
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