5.3 Dark Side of SSRIs: PSSD and True Side Effect Profile

Dr. Healy discusses Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), caused by the discontinuation of SSRIs.  He has been trying to get the media and FDA/EMA and other regulatory agencies to recognize and list PSSD as a known side effect, but has been met with staunch resistance, despite thousands upon thousands of patients reporting this problem.  Throughout his 30 year journey of trying to illuminate the frequency and severity of this, he has been met with several responses, including that it isn't happening, then later recognition of PSSD but claims that it is caused by the patient's depression.  (I don't know of any psychiatric disorder that causes your genitals to be numb...)  He also talks about visual snow syndrome associated with SSRIs, and the risk of worsening addictions. We then pivot to talk about his history of working on the original research on the serotonin reuptake system and the debunked serotonin theory of depression, which 'came from the marketing department of SmithKlineBeecham' and was deemed untrue by the creator of the SSRIs, Arvid Karlsen, before their FDA approval and popularization in the late 1980s and 1990s.  It is crazy to me that these companies are able to get away with this and ostracize and demonize clinicians trying to sound the alarm and protect their patients, but this is the healthcare world we live in, and we're going to have to demand change for change to occur. Thanks for listening.  For more social media content, check us out on all social media platforms @Renegadepsych. If you have any comments, questions or challenges to the information we've presented here, if you'd like to be a guest to the show, or if you have general comments, questions, or suggestions, email us at [email protected] and follow the link https://renegade-psych.podcastpage.io/ to our website for source material, transcripts, and additional links for my guests. If you feel passionate about our message and what we're trying to do, and you'd like to donate, you can also follow the link in the show notes to our website. Disclaimer, this podcast is for informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast and related materials are meant only to educate.  This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. While I am a medical doctor and many of my guests have extensive medical training and experience, nothing stated in this podcast nor materials related to this podcast, including recommended websites, texts, graphics, images, or any other materials should be treated as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. All listeners should consult with a medical professional, licensed mental health provider or other healthcare provider if seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.