The use of patient–reported outcome measures in assessing the prevalence and tolerance of SSRI–related sexual dysfunction: a systematic review

Introduction: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with sexual dysfunction (SD) which can impact patient wellbeing and treatment compliance. Patient–reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be valuable in ensuring sexual functioning is robustly assessed in clinical practice and research. The current review aims to synthesize and evaluate the evidence base regarding the use of PROMs in assessing SSRI-related SD.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using EMBASE, MEDLINE Ultimate, PsycINFO, CINAHL Ultimate, and OpenDissertations to identify which sexual functioning PROMs have been used to assess SSRI-related SD, and what the results indicate regarding the prevalence and tolerance of SD.

Results: Twenty seven articles were eligible for inclusion, and the results were evaluated and summarized using a narrative and visual synthesis. Ten PROMs were identified, varying significantly in their comprehensiveness in assessing possible sexual concerns. SSRI-associated SD is prevalent across studies, though tolerance of SD was only reported in 8 studies.

Discussion: Existing PROMs are a feasible method for collecting patient-reported data on sexual functioning at baseline and post-treatment in clinical trials of SSRIs. Tolerance of sexual side effects should be carefully considered when assessing patient outcomes, and caution is advised when interpreting outcomes for patients with SD at baseline.