Examining Caffeine as a Treatment for Antidepressant-induced Arousal Dysfunction in Women
Status:
Not yet recruiting
Trial end date:
2024-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Antidepressants have negative effects on genital arousal function that hinder quality of life
and jeopardize medication adherence. Moderate sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation
through exercise has shown promising results for improving antidepressant-induced genital
arousal dysfunction. It is feasible that caffeine - an SNS stimulant - could improve
antidepressant-induced genital arousal difficulties if ingested prior to sex. The goal of the
present pilot study is to examine whether the acute administration of 300mg of caffeine
increases genital arousal in women experiencing antidepressant-induced genital arousal
difficulties. Women will attend two counterbalanced sessions in which they ingest either
300mg caffeine or placebo. Fifteen minutes after ingestion, they will view an erotic film
while their heart rate and genital sexual arousal are measured. Caffeine could serve as a
low-cost, widely accessible intervention with minimal side effects if efficacy is shown.