BIO-PSYCHO-SOCIAL IMPACT OF PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION ON SEXUAL HEALTH

Sexual dysfunction is an often-cited concern when clients are faced with taking medications. Sexual dysfunction is one of the most-distressing side effects and is the foundation of client resistance and compliance when using medications. One common concern associated with the use of SSRI is PostSSRI sexual dysfunction (Balla, Nguyen & Hellstrom, 2018). Sexual side effects are additionally associated with clients experiencing a poor quality of life and a negative attitude towards therapy, (Bella & Shamloul, 2013). This paper attempts to give clinicians a better understanding of the biology of medications that impact sexual functioning, the psychological impact of taking medications, and the social stigma and mixed messaging around the use of medication, especially psychotropics. This paper will additionally give clinicians a basic understanding of of the mechanisms of how medications work, commonly-prescribed medications that have sexual side effects, and the role of the clinician in recognizing problems and explaining medications to clients. This paper also explores the ethical limits of non-prescribing clinicians and how to co-ordinate care with prescribing providers. The primary medications that will be explored are SSRI, SNRI, anti-psychotics, ADHD medications, and often-used, off-label medications used in treating mental health symptoms and the sexual side effects of those medications. A brief overview of over-the-counter mediations, statins and blood pressure medications, and the potential sexual side effects will be explored. The clinician will have a basic understanding of the potential side effects of medications and interventions that can be used to increase efficacy and compliance, and improve sexual functioning and compliance with therapy. The purpose of this meta analysis of the research is to increase the non-prescribing clinician’s knowledge and provide information to aid their clients in successfully treating sexual dysfunction and client-centered coordination of care with prescribers.