Where has PSSD been recognised?

PSSD was recognized by the European Medicines Agency in June 2019. Since then there has been recognition in the British Medical Journal. However, there is still no official acknowledgement of PSSD by the UK government, the NHS or within NICE guidelines. Warnings included within antidepressant medications are insufficient.

UK Pharmacovigilance is currently reviewing the risk of sexual side effects for isotretinoin (accutane). It is our hope that this will lead to further investigations into SSRIs, SNRIs and Finasteride.

Elsewhere in the world: In November 2018 Health Canada put SSRIs and SNRIs under official review for long-term sexual dysfunction, but has yet to come to a decision regarding their safety for the public and what added warnings, if any, must accompany antidepressant prescription. That same year a petition was sent to Health Canada officials to recognize PSSD, which has yet to be done.

International momentum is building to bring awareness to PSSD and research causes and potential treatments. Patient groups such as our own have been formed in Germany, Italy, the USA and Canada.