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Sexual Dysfunction in Major Depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Katherine Williams  and
Margaret F. Reynolds
Katherine Williams*
Affiliation:
Dr. Williams is clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, associate director of the Stanford Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Program, and codirector of the Women's Wellness Clinic at, Stanford School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California
Margaret F. Reynolds
Affiliation:
Ms. Reynolds is research associate in the Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Program at, Stanford University
*
Katherine Williams, MD, Stanford School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Rd, room 2358, Palo Alto, Ca 94305-5723; Tel: 650-723-2779; Fax:, 659-724-3144; E-mail:, elliew@stanford.edu
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Abstract

Little is known about the prevalence, typology, and natural course of non—drug-induced sexual dysfunction in patients with depression. Loss of libido has been reported in various studies to affect from 25% to 75% of patients with unipolar depression, and its prevalence appears to be correlated with the severity of depression. Disorders of arousal also appear to be relatively common in both men and women with major depression, of whom ~25% may experience problems with erection or lubrication. The scant available data regarding orgasmic difficulties in patients with depression who have not yet taken antidepressant medication suggest that they are more common than in the general population. The potential causes of sexual dysfunction in patients with depression are complex and little investigated, and future research must distinguish and explore the various biological, psychological, and psychosocial factors that are likely to be involved.

Type
Research Article
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 11 , Issue S9 , 2006 , pp. 19 - 23
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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