Depression / Question
Published: November 30, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Last year, I had depression. I got through it and I am a lot better but I recently noticed that I'm not attracted to anyone anymore. At first, I thought that I was gay, but Im not intrested in the opposite sex either. It does not matter how good looking they are, I still feel empty inside. Could this be from my depression? If not then do I have some sort of mental issue?
Signed: Not Interested In Sex
Dear Not Interested In Sex,
TeenHealthFX is glad to hear that you have been feeling a lot better from your depression. In order to answer your question it would be helpful to know the way in which you dealt with your depression, specifically if medication was part of your treatment.
Most antidepressants used to treat depression fall into the class of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s). This class of medication includes; Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Clexa (citalopram) and Cymbalta (duloxetine.) (SSRIs) relieve symptoms of depression by increasing the amount of serotonin available.
Although these antidepressants can improve your mental outlook and increase motivation and energy, one of the side effects is a low libido. In fact, antidepressants are one of the most common medication related causes of loss of sexual interest and low libido.
If you are on one of these medications it could be leading to your decreased interest in sex. If this is the case then you would want to talk to your doctor to see what can be done. Sometimes lowering the dose of your medication, switching medications or use of erectile dysfunction medication such as Viagra can help alleviate this side effect. However it is critical that you do not adjust your medication or stop taking it without your doctor’s consent. Although this is an annoying side effect you and your doctor need to work together to get past it.
If you were not on medication then the depression itself might be the culprit of your diminished sexual interest. One of the symptoms of depression is a loss of sexual interest. While your mood and outlook have improved this could be a lingering effect of the depression itself. If this is the case then it would be a good idea to start or continue with talk therapy until the condition improves.
No matter what the source your problem is treatable. You have been through a lot in the last year and you can get through this problem as well.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
People with manic symptoms and Bipolar Disorder II are at a significant risk of later developing an alcohol abuse or dependence problem.
