The PSSD Institute exists to improve the lives of individuals affected by Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) through education, advocacy, and research.
Joined November 2025
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At the PSSD Institute, we are an international non-profit organization dedicated to research, education, and advocacy around #PSSD and related post-drug syndromes. Our mission is to secure recognition, accountability, and hope for those affected by long-term antidepressant harms.
We are grateful that The New York Times Magazine has published a landmark investigation into PSSD, and worked with us to speak to members of our community about how their lives have been adversely affected as a result of being prescribed #SSRIs - regrettably, without informed consent.
Our official statement on @NTYmag's article is here: pssdinstitute.org/news/nyt-p…
Last year, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced an expert review into #antidepressants, driven by patient concerns. The review is now concluded.
During the review, patients and their families worked with the MHRA to share their concerns—the outcome was to strengthen existing warnings relating to suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and persistent sexual dysfunction after stopping antidepressants.
Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (#PSSD) is acknowledged in the wording.
PSSD Institute retweeted
🧵 Patients and families around the world have long been raising concerns that the warnings in antidepressant leaflets were not clear or prominent enough.
Last December, the UK’s drug regulator announced a review into these concerns. The findings of that review were released today, including updates covering self-harm and suicidal behaviour; post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) and removal of “chemical imbalance” language. 1/3
PSSD Institute retweeted
🧵 When somebody seeks help and is prescribed an antidepressant such as an SSRI, it is completely understandable that sex — and the impact these drugs might have on it — is not high on their agenda.
Two recent developments bring those sexual effects into clearer view. One is a UK program offering SSRIs to sex offenders specifically to dampen sexual drive and limit intrusive sexual thoughts. The other is research finding higher sexual boredom among people in the early period of SSRI use.
Both of them point to the same effects that patients have been describing for decades (see work of @PSSDNetwork and @PSSDInstitute).
But we’ve found that many people report that the effects don't stop at the ability to have sex — far from it.
They point to something bigger and more existential that’s backed up by research that links sexual function and sexual satisfaction with self-esteem, and with how people experience themselves in a relationship.
When sexual drive or function is muted, the effects often reach into intimacy, closeness, and a person’s sense of self-worth, not just physical pleasure. An informed choice about an SSRI means understanding that possible impact.
An informed choice also means knowing that when what was initially an acceptable trade-off becomes no longer acceptable, stopping is not always straightforward.
Stopping can lead to its own problems (i.e. withdrawal) and for some people, sexual effects persist after the drug is stopped — including in cases of post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD).
You can find links to the two articles via the links below. 1/4
If you have been injured by antidepressants, please consider signing this petition: antidepressantinjury.com/
@woodymatters
PSSD Institute retweeted
Antidepressant Risks (@antideprisks) is hosting a Stolen Lives Picnic in Vancouver July 29. If you’ve been harmed by psych drugs or are a family member, connect with community and remember those lost. Please attend if you're in the area 🇨🇦💚 (Please repost)
#StolenLivesPicnic
PSSD Institute retweeted
On July 29, @antideprisks will be hosting Stolen Lives Picnics around the world. In Vancouver, we'll be gathering at Second Beach, Stanley Park, from 5:30pm.
Whether you're living with the effects of psychiatric medication, supporting someone who is, or want to learn more, you are welcome to join us.
If you'd like to attend, please contact @yassie_pirani or me using the details below.
#StolenLivesPicnic – at Vancouver, British Columbia
PSSD Institute retweeted
🧵 As Lauren Friedman (@lololizzle) so powerfully describes here in her recent testimony, psychiatric drugs can strip away “the most central, intoxicating, worthwhile, and fulfilling parts of the human experience.”
She was speaking at the May 4 MAHA summit about her experience of Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD)—a condition that can emerge or persist after stopping psychiatric drugs, particularly those that act on serotonin such as SSRIs and SNRIs.
For those affected, this involves not only the loss of sexual function, but a profound emotional numbness. For Lauren, it means a loss of feeling love for her own mother, a loss of connection with friends and loss of pleasure in music and songwriting.
We know many of you have had similar experiences even while still taking antidepressants—and these adverse effects are among the most frequently cited reasons people choose to stop these drugs (source below).
Some of you reading this may well be tapering right now because of these effects. We'd love to hear from you:
How did psychiatric drugs affect your relationships with family, friends, or partners?
How did it affect your ability to love and to feel loved—something so deeply human?
Your experiences really do matter. Sharing them helps others feel less alone and better informed as they consider their options. (1/3)
PSSD Institute retweeted
Stephen died following a catastrophic reaction to the antidepressant sertraline. He developed akathisia - a severe and distressing side effect that ultimately led to his death by medication-induced suicide.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Stephen’s passing. In his memory, we want to do something meaningful to celebrate his life, raise awareness, and help protect others.
On Saturday 25th July, in the lead-up to Stephen’s anniversary on the 29th, we will be taking on the “Stairway to Heaven” walk to honour his life and raise funds for @antideprisks
This year, we are especially honoured to be joined by other families who have also lost loved ones to medication-induced suicide.
Together, we will walk in remembrance of those who should still be with us today, sharing their stories, honouring their lives, and standing united in our determination to raise awareness.
As we make our way along the Stairway to Heaven, we will be remembering not only Stephen, but all those precious sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and friends whose lives were cut short after suffering devastating adverse reactions to medications that had been prescribed to them and taken exactly as directed. Their memories will walk beside us every step.
The 29th July marks not only Stephen’s anniversary, but also the day we launched #PrescribedHarm Awareness Day six years ago, which has since grown into a recognised annual event raising awareness around medication-related harm.
This walk is a way to remember Stephen and all who have lost their lives to medication-induced suicide. To show support to their families and stand in solidarity with all those affected by iatrogenic illness worldwide.
AntidepressantRisks is a non-profit organisation made up of a team of experts dedicated to helping people make informed decisions before taking antidepressants.
While these medications can help some, they can also cause serious and life-changing side effects for others.
AntidepressantRisks works to ensure people are fully informed about these risks and provides support to those who have been harmed.
By supporting this fundraiser, you are helping to raise awareness, promote informed choice, and support those affected.
Thank you for helping us remember Stephen, honour all those we have lost, and make a difference in their names.
#StephensVoice
gofund.me/84fb8651b
PSSD sufferer Carmen Hernández spoke to @el_pais about the symptoms she has suffered since stopping #antidepressants 11 years ago.
There’s so much more to this condition than many people realise. To lose your sexuality is to lose a central aspect of your identity, your life.
Read Poch’s article on #PSSD:
elpais.com/estilo-de-vida/20…
PSSD Institute retweeted
Are you looking to attend a Stolen Lives Picnic on July 29th?
Learn more about the London Stolen Lives Picnic, as well as the global picnics that Antidepressant Risks is supporting for Prescribed Harm Day 2026 on our website.
Join us as we come together to raise awareness, share experiences, and build community
Locations & Booking links can be found on our website: antidepressantrisks.org/
PSSD Institute retweeted
Nobody told me antidepressant withdrawal can cause brain damage.
The standard way doctors taper patients off antidepressants—a one-size-fits-all approach of coming off in just 2–4 weeks can induce a condition known as protracted withdrawal.
Protracted withdrawal is debilitating nervous system injury that can leave people suicidal, disabled, unable to work, care for themselves or their families for years.
and in some cases, people are left with permanent neurological impairments that dont go away.
In withdrawal from antidepressants the suffering can be so profound and unrelenting it leads people to take their own lives.
My own life was shaped and forever altered by the lack of safe evidence based tapering guidelines for SSRIS.
Thanks to @SecKennedy @HHSGov that is finally going to change.
Evidence-based tapering guidelines are coming and this will save countless lives from unnecessary suffering.
Thank you @theisabelb & @ChrisWillx for highlighting this critical issue🙏🏻 #pssd #antidepressants
PSSD Institute retweeted
Thank you @newstart_2024 for platforming this conversation, and my testimony. It is time that the truth of these medications be brought to light.
“I have no sensation in my genitals. My clitoris is completely numb.”
Lauren Friedman, 23, shared her devastating experience with PSSD (Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction) — permanent loss of libido, sensation, and ability to orgasm after taking antidepressants.
Chris Williamson and Isabel Brown reacted with shock, noting how little mainstream coverage this issue receives.
Sexual side effects from SSRIs affect 50-70% of users. For a subset of people, these effects (including genital numbness and anorgasmia) persist long after discontinuation, a condition known as Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD). The exact prevalence is unknown, but patient reports and emerging research suggest it may be under-recognized.
People deserve full informed consent about potential long-term risks before starting these medications.
What do you think, should PSSD get more public and medical attention?
PSSD Institute retweeted
“Study warns long-term antidepressant use poses major health risks - Researchers link prolonged antidepressant use to sexual dysfunction, emotional numbing, cognitive impairment, and weight gain.” independent.co.uk/news/scien…
PSSD Institute retweeted
Imagine seeking help, only to find yourself badly injured and with nowhere to turn. @EmilyGreyPSSD, a member of our community, explains that's the reality of many people living with #PSSD.
PSSD sufferers were never told this could happen after taking #antidepressants. As well as more research into treatment, there's a desperate need for better standards of informed consent.
#PSSD impacts lives far beyond sexuality.
Identity, sense of self, ability to connect with loved ones; ambitions, hopes, and dreams are all part of what makes us who we are.
PSSD patients urgently need to be heard - and their stories are incredibly important. Their voices matter.
#ssris #antidepressants
Credit to @i_r_wilson for this video:
youtu.be/zvapp2WlnOw?si=jT6y…
PSSD Institute retweeted
Coverage of our paper about long-term antidepressant use, including lack of evidence for benefits and under-appreciated adverse effects. @markhoro @WallisKatharine. independent.co.uk/news/scien…
PSSD Institute retweeted
“I have no sensation in my genitals. My clitoris is completely numb.”
Lauren Friedman, 23, shared her devastating experience with PSSD (Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction) — permanent loss of libido, sensation, and ability to orgasm after taking antidepressants.
Chris Williamson and Isabel Brown reacted with shock, noting how little mainstream coverage this issue receives.
Sexual side effects from SSRIs affect 50-70% of users. For a subset of people, these effects (including genital numbness and anorgasmia) persist long after discontinuation, a condition known as Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD). The exact prevalence is unknown, but patient reports and emerging research suggest it may be under-recognized.
People deserve full informed consent about potential long-term risks before starting these medications.
What do you think, should PSSD get more public and medical attention?
PSSD can develop after just a few doses, and can present either on the medication or upon discontinuation. For some, #PSSD is disabling. Learn more about the condition: pssdinstitute.org/what-is-ps…
💊PSSD is a life-altering nervous system injury induced by taking an antidepressant
💊Cases have been reported after short-term exposure and even after a single dose.
➡️ for more info check out @PSSDNetwork
PSSD Institute retweeted
PSSD is not simply the loss of sexual function. It extends far beyond that. It involves emotional dissolution, the loss of cognitive abilities, personality loss, identity loss, and profound disruptions to the experience of being human.
it’s a feeling of confinement within your own consciousness. It feels as though my mind had been placed in a chemical straitjacket. My thoughts, emotions, personality, and sense of self all feel restricted. I no longer feel fully able to access, express, or experience who I was ( or life itself) in the way I once could.
My sense of agency has been diminished within my own mind, almost like a loss of free will. I no longer feel free to think in the expansive way I once could. (something I had always taken for granted and never imagined I could lose at such young age.)
How do you describe the loss of something as subjective, invisible, abstract, and intangible as your own mind and consciousness?
Because the injury is invisible unlike a broken bone in a cast or a visible physical wound, others cannot truly grasp the depth of the devastation and damage of someone's internal world.
In the beginning I felt frustrated as words could not fully convey the reality of what was happening to me. The inability for me to communicate the experience made me feel even more trapped.
The very faculty I needed to describe what was happening had itself been affected.
What gets shattered Is the very instrument through which we experienced existence itself.
@PSSDNetwork #PSSD
After stopping antidepressants, this 23-year-old said she experienced a “chemical castration." What to know about PSSD, according to experts. usatoday.com/story/life/heal…
PSSD Institute retweeted
Thanks for calling out the FDA and these drugs. Please consider sharing the @MoralMedicine YouTube channel. We interview Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction and Post Finasteride Syndrome sufferers on the channel who have had their lives devastated by these drugs.
youtu.be/bMnQOkW5-XU?si=TeCT…