Congratulations to the recipients of the SHAPE grants for PSSD research and much gratitude to Dr Lori Brotto and team at UBC Sexual Health Research @ubcshr More information on the SHAPE grants here: https://t.co/1n32gxWunj

Thrilled to work with the Sexual Information & Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN) to get this important information about PSSD out to the public. https://t.co/JBmtXORuAf Grateful for this collaboration.

Thank you to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada @SOGCorg for updating their website to include information on Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction! #PSSD https://t.co/aTysbPfBP6

Appreciation to journalist @emilycorwin and to everyone in the PSSD and #PrescribedHarm communities who stepped up to be interviewed.

July 10th Article on NPR on Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction #PSSD and prolonged withdrawal: "I knew I wasn't crazy," Huber said. But it was scary to learn how long people were suffering for, and that there wasn't a cure." https://t.co/gQvSlo9JUe

Hear Emily Rice speak about her research here:

The following is a thesis published by University of Ottawa graduate student Emily Rice: Understanding the Lived Experiences of People with Sexual Difficulties Resulting from Using and Discontinuing Antidepressants:

https://t.co/WyQhA7mMal

"Given the widespread prescription of antidepressants, it is likely that PSSD remains significantly underreported and underrecognized. Many participants reported reluctance to discuss sexual symptoms with their healthcare providers, which may contribute to low detection rates."

When respondents were asked to identify the most critical areas requiring further research within PSSD, treatment research emerged as the highest priority closely following were increased research funding for PSSD, knowledge translation, then impact assessment.

A striking 67% of respondents reported experiencing suicidal thoughts as a direct consequence of living with PSSD. The severity of psychological distress was further underscored by one participant who stated: “This is not a typical illness …..we need treatment. That’s the only

Over 70% indicating an extreme negative effect. 61% reported that their relationships, both intimate and non-intimate were extremely affected. In terms of employment, 38% experienced an extreme disruption to their ability to work.

Respondents reported significant negative impacts on their overall quality of life:

96% of respondents reported receiving no counseling regarding potential sexual side effects associated with SSRI/SNRI use, with 90% indicating that such information would have influenced their decision to initiate treatment.

Symptoms of sexual dysfunction recorded by participants:

Highlights of the report 🧵: -A significant majority of survey participants (79%) described their sexual difficulties as both persistent and distressing. At the time of the survey, 90% had ceased antidepressant use, averaging 3 years since their last dose and an average duration

Thanks to funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), members of the Sexual Health and Genito-Pelvic Pain Knowledge Empowerment Hub (SHAPE) led a survey titled "Shaping the Future of PSSD Research in Canada: Research Priorities Identified by The Canadian PSSD

There are now grant opportunities available for students at Canadian post-secondary institutions looking to investigate Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction! https://t.co/1n32gxWunj

"Since withdrawal too, my upper leg and genital area went extremely numb. I feel like I’ve been neutered by my own medical system and this is completely unforgivable." -Cal, PSSD sufferer of 9 months https://t.co/SINNS43gju

Thank you Ayeshah Haque @healthing_ca for interviewing members of the Canadian PSSD Society and drawing attention to current research and knowledge-mobilization initiatives! https://t.co/y5AC7yhT6l