THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE USE OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND LOSS OF LIBIDO IN WOMEN

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health is a factor that is strongly linked to sexual desire. In this sense, women suffering from depression and anxiety are related to high rates of sexual dysfunction. Moreover, the medications involved in the treatment of these comorbidities also have an influence on libido, either by suppressing sexual desire and libido, or by impairing vaginal lubrication. Therefore, the need for a careful choice of the antidepressant that best suits the patient's needs is evident. Objectives: To correlate the use of antidepressants and sexual dysfunction in women with psychiatric disorders. Methodology: This article will be an integrative review, using the following platforms: National Health Library (BVS), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Social and Health Sciences (LILACS) National Library of Medicine (PUB- MED) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). With the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): ''Antidepressant Agents'', ''Libido'' and ''Women's Health''. Accepted articles will be those in Portuguese, English and Spanish, and that are aligned with the theme. Results: This study aimed to better understand the relationship between the use of antidepressant medications and sexual dysfunction in women, through the comparison of first-line drugs in the treatment of depression and anxiety, so that these patients can be properly managed by choosing the drug that has less interference in libido and fewer side effects.