The paper surveys the incidence of sexual dysfunction in association with various groups of antidepressants in both randomised and non-randomised trial using scales, questionnaires, or structured interviews focusing on sexual dysfunction. The highest number of sexual dysfunction was found with SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), the most frequently prescribed group of antidepressants. Antidepressants with other mechanisms of action had lower incidence of sexual dysfunction; the issue with them is their narrower range of indications. The drugs most often prescribed to out-patients in clinical practice of the Department of Psychiatry of Brno were SSRIs, most often in the neurotic disorder indication. Fifty patients taking antidepressants in monotherapy on a longer-term basis were interviewed using the ASEX (Arizona sexual experience) quesionnaire and the effect of therapy was assessed on the scale CGI 1. Forty one patients were administered SSRIs: dysfunction associated with them was found in 16 patients, i.e. 39% of the population. The variation in incidence of sexual dysfunction differentiating between the individual SSRIs was not statistically signifi cant. A positive correlation was established between severity of disorder as measured on CGI 1 and incidence of sexual dysfunction. The above mentioned results show that a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction was also found in patients in whom the therapeutic effect was small.

        Key words: antidepressants, sexual dysfunction, severity of illness.