Study on PSSD from University of Ottawa seeks interview volunteers

Note: this is a separate study from the survey to be conducted by Queen’s University this year. Learn more about that study here: https://www.pssdcanada.ca/pssd-research

To whom it may concern,

I am a graduate student at the University of Ottawa in the M.A. Counselling Psychology program in the Faculty of Education. I am currently recruiting participants for my Master’s thesis project under the supervision of Dr. Peggy J. Kleinplatz, Professor, Faculty of Medicine and cross-appointed to the Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa.

The purpose of my study is to explore the lived experiences of those who have experienced sexual difficulties as a result of antidepressant use and/or discontinuation. Participation in this study will consist of completing a telephone or video interview with me, Emily Rice for approximately 90 minutes.

During this interview, participants will be asked to reflect on their experiences of being prescribed an antidepressant, what they were told about how long they will be on the antidepressant and plans for discontinuation, of being on an antidepressant, of stopping an antidepressant and their experiences with PSSD.

In order to be eligible for participation, participants must be (1) 18 years of age or older, (2) have experienced or are experiencing sexual side effects following the use and/or discontinuation of an antidepressant, (3) willing to have their interview audio-recorded for data analysis purposes and (4) able to describe their experiences sufficiently in English. Participants will be selected on a first-come first-served basis.

My hope is that this study will raise awareness antidepressant prescription practices, post-antidepressant sexual dysfunction and give voice to those who have experienced post-antidepressant sexual dysfunction.

If you meet the above criteria and are interested in participating in this study or have any questions about the study, please contact me by email at erice009@uottawa.ca or by phone at (519) 709-7390.

You can also contact Dr. Peggy J. Kleinplatz at (613) 563-0846, Monday– Friday, noon–5:00 PM EST.

Should you have any additional concerns, please contact the Protocol Officer for Ethics in Research, University of Ottawa, Tabaret Hall, 550 Cumberland Street, Room 154, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, tel.: (613) 562-5387 or ethics@uottawa.ca. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Emily Rice

Graduate Student, Faculty of Education University of Ottawa

erice009@uottawa.ca

(519) 709-7390