Yes, I recovered! And some thoughts about SSRI/PSSD/discussions on this board

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I suffer from depression since about 6 years, coming in in the autum, lasting

until spring - without medication. Tried psychotherapy (cognitive behavioural),

found it much helpful to learn coping with situations difficult for me but did

not really improve depressive episodes. Antidepressants did, fully. Tried

various different ones, ending up at a combination of a SSNRI (Solvex 4 mg) and

Venlafaxin (Trevilor, 75 - 150 mg). So happy that helps - though always gets me

4 weeks of depression until kicking in.

One more word: I have a degree in psychology (Diplom-Psychologe) though I was

not that much into clinical psychology and I do not work as a psychologist now.

Experienced PSSD after 2nd or 3rd run of that medication. Symptoms as mentioned

by many on the board, Erection impossible in 9 out 10 cases. No real interest to

have sex - kissing fine though.

Spoke to my psychatrist and psychologist - never heard of PSSD, though treating

depression and prescribing SSRIs for many many years. Confirm both that sexual

dysfuntion while taking very common, almost every patient. My conclusion: PSSD

is occuring very rarely.

Now it's gone for more than 6 months since last quitting medication. Only

difference when having sex: it lasts much longer now, not too bad a side effect

(if it's one), like that.

What did I do? Didn't try any medication (well, Viagra - didn't help), none of

the various " wonder cures " discussed on this forum - except fish oil omega-3 (I

am trading omega-3 professionally). I know a lot about Omega-3 EPA/DHA (good

science for heart protection and brain development in babies) and intensively

checked studies on depressions and O-3: Hardly any effect documented at

sufficient significance in the few studies, I doubt it has an effect. Same story

with the other " wonder cures " I checked for scientific literature - won't help

more than placebo (though THAT might still be doing the job for the one or other

user), at least that's my view.

Don't exactly know why PSSD is gone for me. I believe PSSD is caused by a

mixture of neuro-physical and pschological effetcs for very very few people

suffering from depression. What helped me? Coping with it. Speaking to the girl

that I am about to have sex with (well, fuck, fucking don't seem to possible),

telling her about my feelings to it, telling her: Well I don't know if this will

end up in erection or not and if, if it will last, pleasing her other ways

(which I still liked). I believe talking openly about that situation, the

embarrasment and frustration, really is a key issue. That helps for getting

better along with it and I belive it also helped me overcoming it.

The forum and issues discussed? Well first: Think positive! I am pretty sure

that many sufferers who suddenly stop taking part simply recovered and lost

interest (so was I). Don't try any wonder cure discussed unless you believe in

it. Believe in youself.

Wishing everyone of you guys and girls here, that things get better!

All the best,

O