Investigation of the difference between the expression and presence of sexual symptoms and dysfunction in depressed women treated with fluoxetine

Introduction: The present study aimed at investigating the difference between the expression and presence of sexual symptoms and dysfunction in depressed women treated with fluoxetine, and the possibility of sexual dysfunction following consumption of fluoxetine. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted on 44 women candidates for receiving fluoxetine after the diagnosis of depression. Patients’ complaints of sexual dysfunction were collected and compared using Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) questionnaire during their first visit and 2 months after receiving fluoxetine. Two-way data were analyzed using chi-square test, and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to study ordinal variables in SPSS software. Results: This study indicates that there is a significant difference between the final score of the ASEX questionnaire and that of each question before and after the consumption of fluoxetine. Using ASEX scale, it was indicated that 11 (25.0%) and 27 (61.4%) of participants suffered from sexual dysfunction at their first and second visit, respectively, and that there is a correlation between the expression of sexual dysfunction symptoms and sexual dysfunction disorder. Conclusion: Results indicate that consumption of fluoxetine causes sexual dysfunction, and there is a correlation between the expression of sexual dysfunction symptoms and sexual dysfunction disorder. Moreover the fewer participants complain about symptoms, the more the chance of sexual dysfunction.