It is well known that depression and certain medications for depression, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can reduce sexual interest, desire, and activity. However, it turns out that the story of how depression and sex are related is more complicated than that. Depression can affect different people and their sex lives, in very different ways, being associated with both increasing and decreasing sexual activity. Research has found that depression is also associated with increased sexual risk . This includes unprotected sex or without a condom.
How is this result explained?
It was once thought that these opposite effects could be due to changes in the severity of depression. In particular, some researchers argued that lower levels of depression were probably associated with more risk-taking, while higher levels were associated with less sexual activity in general. Recent research, however, has shown that this is not the case.
Psychologists and scientists now think that what is happening is that different people are using different coping strategies when it comes to depression. Specifically, some people appear to be "external creators," meaning they face looking "from the outside." This can potentially increase sexual risk-taking, or involvement in other risky behaviors, such as substance use. These behaviors can be pursued for many reasons, such as seeking distraction or temporary relief from emotional pain. For some, however, these behaviors can also be a way of punishing themselves.
Other people can be "inner creators", meaning they face looking inward and withdrawing from social life. This is likely to reduce sexual activity, in part because it reduces opportunities for sex.
Medication and genetics complicate the situation
Of course, beyond changes in coping strategy, medications can also play a role in how depression affects people’s sex lives. Genetic factors can also play a role in how people cope with depression.
In short, research shows that there is no simple, direct link between depression and sexual behavior. Rather, it seems to be a more complicated and not absolute connection.
Source: Psychology Today
