How do you respond to concerns from patients about irreversible post-SSRI sexual dysfunction?  

Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction refers to persistent sexual side effects that continue after cessation of an SSRI. There has been increasing coverage of these symptoms in popular and social media, leading some patients to fear that the sexual side effects of SSRIs may be irreversible. 

How do you address patients’ concerns about the possibility of irreversible sexual side effects with SSRIs? Have you encountered patients with symptoms consistent with post-SSRI sexual dysfunction? How do you handle situations where patients express strong fears about post-SSRI sexual dysfunction after reading online or media reports?