Sexual studies biology assignment 2 (another persos assignment) - Essay Example

This was done through a systematic analysis of various articles concerned with the incidence, pathophysiology, and treatment of antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction (Higgins 141). Management of sexual dysfunction through medical assessments has been deemed to be one of the most important steps in addressing the problem. This may include the following: eliminate other potential factors for sexual dysfunction (e.g. alcohol, age, substance abuse); exclude the effects of using medications other than antidepressants (e.g. diabetes management medications, cardiovascular system medications, nervous system disorder treatments); and exclusion of the residual effects of depression or the use of anti-depression drugs (Higgins 146).

Once all factors have been ruled out and the effects of the antidepressants still persist as the main cause of sexual dysfunction, possible options for patients can include gradual reduction of antidepressant dosage, replacement or switching of antidepressants from SSRI to non-SSRI, adjunct drug treatment or the use of drugs to counteract side-effects, not using antidepressant drugs a day before engaging in sexual activity, or undergoing cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) using a combination of biological and psychosocial approaches in dealing with and understanding the mechanics of sexual dysfunction (148). . Sexual dysfunction is a very sensitive topic, and as such must be tackled as holistically and as open-mindedly as possible, both by the patients as well as the professionals that they work with.

It is very important that patients are fully-informed about the possible causes of sexual dysfunction and how these issues can be addressed, especially when the patients are taking antidepressants or using other kinds of drugs. This is because there is a high possibility that they feel less empowered as a result of accepting that they have lower sexual drive as well as their battles against depression, and they may not be fully aware of the possible connection for this, let alone it being common among users of antidepressants.

This article is able to provide important details on how to handle sexual dysfunction while taking antidepressants, as it has been mentioned that individuals may respond differently to the treatments enumerated. Also, it also serves as a reminder that not all mental illnesses depend on pharmacological therapies alone as there are some other ways to cope with this problem, and that by reducing the dependence on drugs that could possibly inhibit sexual responses, patients have greater chances of improving their sex lives simply through adjustments of medications or behavior.

Mental health specialists and clinicians can benefit from this article by providing their patients with alternative solutions in addressing either or both issues of depression or of sexual dysfunction as a result of the use of antidepressants, and in effect can give a chance for patients to have access to a better sexual health as a result of a few changes in their anti-depression