Humans are sexual beings in nature and depend on sex for pleasure and recreation. Unfortunately, some individuals might experience some forms of dysfunction that might affect their sexual responses or cycles. These problems have the potential to affect the level of satisfaction and make it impossible for the patients to enjoy sex. This paper gives a detailed summary of the article “Assessment and Management of Sexual Dysfunction in the Context of Depression” by Pratap R. Chokka and Jeffrey R. Hankey.
Purpose of the Study
The authors of this article wanted to learn more about the relationship between sexual dysfunction (SD) and the medications used to manage and treat depression. Within the past three decades, experts have observed that many people affected by SD were unwilling to report or share their experiences (Chokka & Hankey, 2018). Individuals suffering from various psychological conditions were unable to get proper regimes for managing their SD problems. Chokka and Hankey (2018) indicate that SD could emerge as one of the side-effects of most of the antidepressants used to manage mental illnesses. This outcome means that the beneficiaries might be unable to comply. These issues explain why such a study was essential to learn more about this unique correlation and consider new ways of meeting the demands of the affected patients.
Procedures
To deliver the intended findings and observations, the researchers used a detailed review of the literature. Such an approach resonated with the concepts of a qualitative method since they acquired information from most of the articles published in the recent past. After going through the available evidence, the authors pinpointed the areas of weakness and offer suggestions for transforming the experiences of many people with depression and SD (Chokka & Hankey, 2018). The overwhelming evidence and information regarding the side effects of antidepressants used to treat depression made such a process possible.
Through qualitative research, the experts were able to collect adequate non-numerical data and interpret the information to make meaning. This approach made it possible for them to understand how depression could guide physicians and medical experts to analyze SD and be in a position to provide personalized services (Chokka & Hankey, 2018). Such a procedure was evidence-based and capable of delivering the intended results.
Discussion of Results
After completing the above processes, the theorists were able to present convincing results that can be applied in different settings to meet the demands of more patients with depression. The authors indicated that it was extremely hard to diagnose SD in cases whereby the patient had depression (Chokka & Hankey, 2018). The primary reason behind such an argument was that SD was one of the side-effects of antidepressants and other drugs intended to manage mental disorders. The extended use of such medications could result in noncompliance, thereby increasing chances of developing certain SDs (Chokka & Hankey, 2018). In most of the cases, individuals who experience such health challenges would be unwilling to report their situations. Consequently, they might continue to use such drugs and eventually worsen their situations.
Over the years, professionals in the field of mental health had described how hard it could be to differentiate the effects of a specific disorder and the impacts of the drugs associated with it. This gap encouraged the authors to present a schematic that would make it possible for more physicians to minimize the possibilities of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD) while providing the relevant drugs for managing depression. The outstanding observation is that physicians and psychotherapists can rely on the power of appropriate tools to achieve their aims (Thomas & Thurston, 2016). For instance, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) emerges as the best tool that provides standardized questions for learning more about a person’s sexual experiences. When done correctly before the initiation of a drug therapy, the physicians will maximize their chances of delivering timely results to the patient.
Additionally, the study explains why it would be appropriate for medical professionals to consider the hormonal, pharmacological, neurogenic, and vascular factors whenever their respective patients present with a specific form of SD. The authors also encourage physicians to be on the frontline to obtain adequate information from the individual before providing additional treatments. The historical and baseline sexual functions of an individual would be worth considering before the prescription of drugs that have the potential to trigger a SD (Chokka & Hankey, 2018). The experts will need to make timely follow-up and offer additional ideas to ensure that the targeted person records positive experiences.
In scenarios whereby the primary aim is to manage the recorded depression and reduce the risk of SD, medical professionals should consider some medications that have been observed to deliver positive results. Some of them include bupropion, trazodone, vortioxetine, moclobemide, and agomelatine (Chokka & Hankey, 2018). The concept of monitoring emerging symptoms and side effects is essential to support the delivery of positive and sustainable results. The consideration of these issues will meet the demands of more people with SD and make it easier for them to lead better lives.
Personal Reflection
The selected article is relevant and informative since most of the described issues match those outlined in the materials studied in class. For instance, the authors have identified SD as one of the underreported health challenges affecting many people today. Most of the patients would be reluctant to share their challenges with different members of their family or physicians (Chokka & Hankey, 2018). The end result is that the condition might worsen and affect the person’s overall sexual experience. Without proper guidance and support, the individual might ignore the situation completely and increase the risk for experiencing additional complications.
These insights reveal that SD is a major problem that experts should not ignore. The article has shed more led on SD as a psychological issue since it affects a person’s sexual life. The observations describe how most of the individuals might be unable to enjoy sex. The possible outcome is that such individuals will record reduced self-confidence and loss of esteem (Thomas & Thurston, 2016). Some men might choose not to marry and lead single lives for the rest of their lives. Some couples might decide to part rather than seeking timely medical support. This complexity will affect the experiences of more people and even make it impossible for them to pursue additional goals in their lives.
Another outstanding message from the studied work is the relationship between mental illnesses and SD. In most of the cases, persons with depression or other mental disorders will be subjected to drugs that might eventually have negative impacts. The emerging side effects might be problematic and even compel the patients to seek additional medical support (Thomas & Thurston, 2016). The absence of proper supportive systems and treatment regimes will affect the overall experiences and outcomes of the individuals.
These insights explain why all stakeholders should start to identify and treat SD as a serious medical problem. The class materials have examined it from a psychological perspective and outlined some of the available options for people who want to transform their experiences. People should be keen to seek medical advice and consult their physicians whenever they suspect that something is wrong with their sexual drive (Chokka & Hankey, 2018). This decision might guide tier physicians to prescribe the relevant drugs and options that can restore the situation. The involvement of all key stakeholders in such a problem can support the presentation of timely results.
Finally, I have appreciated the nights and ideas gained from this work. For instance, I have realized that physicians can consider the use of appropriate tools that connect the medical procedures with the patient’s base experience, such as the ASEX. Such an approach will guide the team to provide personalized advice and support (Thomas & Thurston, 2016). The use of additional or better drugs will ensure that positive results are recorded and transform the experiences of patients with various mental disorders, including depression.
Conclusion
The above discussion has identified SD as a subject that many people continue to ignore. Most of the affected patients will with present with various mental conditions due to the established relationship. Medical professionals should, therefore, consider the past experiences of their patients and be ready to provide the best support. Proper drugs and treatment procedures will make it possible for depressed people to improve their sexual desires and experiences.
References
Chokka, P. R., & Hankey, J. R. (2018). Assessment and management of sexual dysfunction in the context of depression. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 8(1), 13-23.
Thomas, H. N., & Thurston, R. C. (2016). A biopsychosocial approach to women’s sexual function and dysfunction at midlife: A narrative review. Maturitas, 87, 49-60.