[Sexual dysfunction and antidepressants].

Over the last two decades, several antidepressants (AD) were marketed. These drugs are not only used for the treatment of depression, but also for many other indications like anxiety disorders, eating disorders, premenstrual syndrome and neuropathic pain of diabetic origin... During several years, sexual side-effects of AD have been ignored. These side-effects have a great impact on the quality of life of patients and increase the risk of non-compliance to treatment. Presently, few reliable scientific data are available concerning the frequency and the nature of sexual disorders induced by AD. Overall, these effects are grossly underestimated because the problem is rarely addressed directly. In this review, the sexual side-effects of AD and the possible strategies to limit their consequences will be discussed.