Is loss of libido and erectile dysfunction common in depression?

Loss of libido and erectile dysfunction are common in depression, due to symptoms of the condition, and also due to side effects from antidepressant medications. In this video, psychiatrist Sudeepta Varma, MD, explains why these issues occur.

Transcript

00:00

Normally, though, you find that the loss of libido that existed because of depression gets better with treatment, so whether it be psychotherapy or medications.

00:08

What you will find is now that the person is in a better mood, they're also more sexually aroused, they're having libido, they want to have sex.

00:15

[MUSIC PLAYING]

00:21

As a psychiatrist, I often see loss of libido and ED in patients that come to me with symptoms of depression.

00:29

And what's interesting is that both the depression can cause ed and loss of libido, sometimes even

00:36

the treatments of depression. Some patients will complain of having difficulty with arousal. Normally, though, you find that the loss of libido

00:43

that existed because of the depression gets better with treatment, so whether it be psychotherapy or medications.

00:50

What you will find is now that the person is in a better mood, they're also more sexually aroused, they're having libido, they want to have sex, they're able to have sex.

00:57

But sometimes achieving orgasm can be difficult. And we see this for both men and women. So there might be erectile dysfunction in men

01:04

or anorgasmia with women. And there are other medication options which can be sometimes added or medication regimens

01:10

can be modified, depending on your symptoms. But I say when I'm treating depression patients that it's so important to get the depression under control.

01:18

And at the same time, it makes me sad when a patient has this side effect. But I always say that I want to work with you to sort of get

01:24

the best benefit risk side effect profile for you. [AUDIO LOGO]