A male client with major depressive disorder improves on an SSRI but stops the medication, not reporting reasons. Which SSRI side effect could account for this decision?

A male client with major depressive disorder improves on an SSRI but stops the medication, not reporting reasons. Which SSRI side effect could account for this decision?

• A. Loss of libido or sexual dysfunction.
• B. Weight gain.
• C. Increased appetite.
• D. Improved energy.

Answer: (A)

SSRI use often comes with sexual side effects, and for many people these effects are distressing enough to prompt stopping the medication even when mood has improved. In men, SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction frequently presents as reduced libido, erectile difficulties, or delayed ejaculation. This can feel more impactful on daily life than residual depressive symptoms, leading to discontinuation without reporting reasons. Weight gain and increased appetite can occur, but they’re less directly tied to the sudden decision to stop when mood improves. Improved energy is a positive effect that would not typically lead someone to discontinue treatment. So the most plausible reason the client stops the SSRI is loss of libido or sexual dysfunction, a common and impactful side effect that can drive nonadherence. If this issue arises, clinicians might consider dose adjustments, switching to another antidepressant with lower sexual side effects, or adding strategies to mitigate sexual dysfunction.

SSRI use often comes with sexual side effects, and for many people these effects are distressing enough to prompt stopping the medication even when mood has improved. In men, SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction frequently presents as reduced libido, erectile difficulties, or delayed ejaculation. This can feel more impactful on daily life than residual depressive symptoms, leading to discontinuation without reporting reasons.

Weight gain and increased appetite can occur, but they’re less directly tied to the sudden decision to stop when mood improves. Improved energy is a positive effect that would not typically lead someone to discontinue treatment.

So the most plausible reason the client stops the SSRI is loss of libido or sexual dysfunction, a common and impactful side effect that can drive nonadherence. If this issue arises, clinicians might consider dose adjustments, switching to another antidepressant with lower sexual side effects, or adding strategies to mitigate sexual dysfunction.