Examining Caffeine as a Treatment for Antidepressant-induced Arousal Dysfunction in Women

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.

Inclusion Criteria:Between the of ages 18-55Fluent in EnglishExperience antidepressant-induced arousal difficultiesExperience regular menstrual periods (i.e., not perimenopausal or menopausal)Exclusion Criteria:A history or current diagnosis of panic attacks or panic disorderA history or current diagnosis of sexually transmitted disease(s)A history of major pelvic surgery that caused nerve damageCurrently taking beta blockers, antipsychotics, anti-anxiolytics, hormonal contraceptives (unless the participant has been taking it for over 3 months), or any other medical treatment to enhance sexual responseOther medical conditions or procedures that would preclude the participant's participation in the study (e.g., urinary tract infection, neurological impairment due to diabetes or stroke, or spinal cord damage)A history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) that occurred prior to age 16