Depression and lack of sex drive: what to know

Depression may make intimacy feel less appealing or more difficult to initiate. Low energy, reduced pleasure, poor sleep, anxiety, body-image concerns and relationship strain can all play a part. Some antidepressant medicines can also affect desire, arousal or orgasm. A change in sexual interest does not prove depression; hormonal, physical, emotional and relationship factors deserve consideration. This is a common topic in healthcare, even if it feels uncomfortable to raise.

Tell your clinician when the change began and whether it came before or after a medicine change. Do not stop prescribed medicine suddenly. If you have a partner, explain that reduced desire may be linked to health rather than rejection, and agree on low-pressure forms of closeness. Address sleep, stress and mood as part of the same plan. A clinician can review treatment choices and suggest counselling when appropriate.

Book an assessment if reduced desire persists, causes distress, affects a relationship, or appears with low mood, fatigue or loss of enjoyment. Seek urgent help for suicidal thoughts, self-harm urges, or inability to remain safe by contacting local emergency services or attending the nearest emergency department.

Ask whether depression, a medicine, sleep difficulty or another health issue could be involved; whether treatment can be adjusted; and how to protect privacy and communication with a partner.