US EditionA Brain Test May Predict Antidepressant-Related Sexual Problems, Early Research Suggests
Researchers found a brain test predicts sexual side effects with 87% accuracy in depressed patients on SSRIs, potentially improving treatment choices and adherence.
- October 12, Copenhagen-based researchers reported that LDAEP predicted orgasmic dysfunction with 87% accuracy after an eight-week escitalopram course in 90 depressed patients.
- Because sexual dysfunction commonly accompanies depression, researchers sought a test since SSRI antidepressants cause sexual side effects in 25% to 80% of patients and no predictor existed.
- Using the LDAEP test, researchers measured brain serotonin activity with an EEG headset with 256 electrodes playing 60–100dB tones, and Dr. Kristian Jensen said, `The LDAEP itself is quite elegant...`.
- The team is now planning a 600-patient replication study to validate findings, and researchers say confirmation could help clinicians prescribing antidepressants minimize sexual side effects and improve treatment adherence.
- Researchers note their results apply mainly to medication-induced sexual problems, with a study sample averaging age 27 and 73% female, while at least 11.4% of U.S. adults used antidepressants in 2023.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Brain serotonin levels linked to sexual side effects from antidepressants
Researchers have discovered that the ability to have an erection or to orgasm is related to the levels of serotonin in the brain, but this relation only applies to depressed patients taking SSRI antidepressants.
Brain test predicts ability to achieve orgasm—but only in patients taking antidepressants
Researchers have discovered that the ability to have an erection or to orgasm is related to the levels of serotonin in the brain, but this relation only applies to depressed patients taking SSRI antidepressants.
EEG Test May Reveal Who Loses Libido on Antidepressants
A new study reveals that serotonin levels in the brain, measured using a simple EEG-based test, can predict who will experience sexual side effects from SSRI antidepressants. Researchers found that people with higher serotonin activity before treatment were significantly more likely to have difficulty reaching orgasm during antidepressant use.
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