Is depression a cause or the effect of sexual dysfunctions?
Several studies in the past have tried to clarify whether depression leads to sexual dysfunctions or if instead the sexual dysfunctions cause depression.
Interesting findings were produced by a study that collected and analyzed the results of all relevant studies that were implemented until 2011. According to the results, one who suffers from depression is twice as likely to later experience a sexual problem, than not to.
Furthermore, someone experiencing a sexual dysfunction has two and a half times greater chance to later experience depression, than not to. Consequently, these two problems are highly likely to be interrelated. The possible mechanisms linking the two situations are many.
What can someone who suffers from depression and a sexual dysfunction do?
If someone is suffering from clinical depression is very likely that this mood disorder will significantly reduce sexual desire. Additionally, antidepressants may produce not only desire problems, but also erection or ejaculation difficulties.
In this case, patients should talk to their doctor about possible ways to alter antidepressant medication, but also techniques to increase sexual satisfaction.
If someone is having a sexual dysfunction, and it is because of this that symptoms of depression have developed, it is necessary to seek psychosexual therapy.The earlier the sexual problem is addressed, the more likely it is to eliminate depression symptoms.
Now that most sexual problems are treated successfully, it is necessary for patients to seek treatment as soon as possible, in order to prevent the vicious cycle wherein the sexual problem creates depression and, in turn, depression maintains the sexual problem.
Atlantis E, Sullivan T (2012) Bidirectional association between depression and sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sex Med 9: 1497-1507.
