PSSD, or Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction, is a condition in which patients continue to have sexual side effects even after discontinuation of SSRI use. It affects both men and women. These side effects include genital numbness, weak or pleasureless orgasms, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Emotional numbing is another lingering side effect that can be associated with PSSD and can negatively affect peoples' ability to feel and express emotions and form relationships. Anecdotally, for a large portion of those afflicted with PSSD, alcohol consumption is no longer enjoyable or as potent as it was before the condition which may suggest some form of neurological damage. 

There is currently no verbal or written warning of PSSD when antidepressant drugs are prescribed. It is commonly assumed that any negative sexual side effects experienced while on antidepressants will dissipate upon cessation of the medication. Unfortunately, this is not true for some people.

There are thousands of people that have turned to the internet in search of answers for their sexual dysfunction even though they have stopped taking antidepressants. Only after the fact the patient will they likely discover that they have PSSD. 

Sexual dysfunction is a well documented side effect of antidepressants and can be quite severe. This prompts many to discontinue the medication. However, PSSD can be caused even after only taking a few doses of the drug. It is not just one type of antidepressant that causes PSSD. Based on patient accounts all types of antidepressants can cause this condition. There are also reports of antipsychotic induced sexual dysfunction as well.

Based on the period of 2015-2018, 13.2% of adults aged 18 and over used antidepressant medications in the past 30 days. Use was higher among women (17.7%) than men (8.4%). However, this is a global issue.

When a patient's persistent sexual dysfunction is discussed with healthcare providers the issue is commonly assumed to be psychological in nature. It might be blamed on the patients' "depression" or mood. The problem is ironically placed on the patient when the drugs were the root cause. People with severe PSSD are acutely aware that the drugs were the problem. They likely functioned just fine sexually before taking any medications. People with mild PSSD, however, may harbor doubts about their sexual integrity. They might assume any lingering sexual dysfunction is all in their heads even though there may be an underlying sexual issue caused by the drugs they took. This means that PSSD may be much more prevalent in society than currently recognized. Cases will likely go unreported by doctors and people may be suffering in silence. Sexuality is a sensitive issue and sexual dysfunction is embarrassing to discuss with anybody.

In an ideal world, antidepressants or psychiatric medications would not cause sexual impairment at any time during or after treatment. Antidepressants are proven to reduce sperm counts and cause a host of sexual issues both during and after treatment in the case of PSSD. This qualifies as a form of eugenics for those that are taking the drugs and for those that face permanent damage in the form of PSSD. People may be unable to form successful relationships or have families. People may never experience sexual pleasure again in their lives. 

There is currently no form of recourse for those with PSSD. It is not something that can be proven in a court room. Even though a male may no longer be able to obtain an erection, it is not provable that the drugs were the cause. One's mental state or depression can always be scapegoated as the culprit. This absolves both the pharmaceutical industry producing the drugs and the medical professionals prescribing the drugs.

PSSD is not formally acknowledged by the medical community in the United States even though it is acknowledged in the European Union, Hong Kong, and Canada. This condition needs global recognition and further research given the prevalence of antidepressant use worldwide. A warning should be implemented as soon as possible so people are aware that PSSD is a possibility as a result of treatment. This will allow for proper informed consent before starting any medication. PSSD sufferers feel lied to and have had their bodies and minds violated and their lives dismantled.

PSSD needs awareness and recognition before any type of medical progress can be made. By signing this petition you are making this possible. This issue needs to be placed under global scrutiny as soon as possible before more lives are needlessly ruined. People you know may be taking antidepressants. It could be family, friends, neighbors, or any face you see in public. Please help give PSSD the recognition it deserves and help make the world a better place.