[Sexual problems are common during antidepressive treatment. What do general practitioners know about this adverse effect and how is it handled?]. / Sexuella problem är vanliga vid antidepressiv behandling. Vad vet allmänläkarna om denna biverkan, och hur hanteras den?

At least five per cent of the Swedish population is treated with some kind of antidepressant (AD) drug, mostly SSRI's. Sexual adverse effects, mainly loss of libido and anorgasmia or delayed orgasm/ejaculation concern more than 50% of these patients. The antidepressive effects of treatment are generally satisfying, but the sexual side effects may be a reason for non-compliance. This article refers to studies that specifically have investigated sexual adverse effects caused by AD-treatment and strategies to handle and prevent these problems. A questionnaire sent to general practitioners showed that they are well aware of the problem with sexual adverse effect in AD treatment and ascribe it great importance. The knowledge of effects and side effects of newer AD drugs seemed somewhat insufficient. An increased knowledge about these substances and alternative treatment strategies would perhaps make it easier for the physicians to handle or avoid AD induced sexual side effects.