[To investigate the effects of Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors on behaviour]

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

This investigation examined the relationship between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) use and romantic relationship quality. The research sample consisted of participants in the attachment phase of their romantic relationship who had been in the same, current romantic relationship for a minimum of two years. Participants were recruited via professional listservs, electronic social networking, and prior relationships with the principal investigator. A total of 165 individuals participated in the main analysis. Results revealed no significant differences on romantic relationship quality scores by SSRI use after controlling for interest in sexual activity, sexual relationship satisfaction, depression, anxiety, paranoid, dependent, schizoid, sexual activity per month, time spent with one's partner, and dates per month. Correlational analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between SSRI use and interest in sexual activity, depressive symptoms, and dependent, paranoid, and passive-aggressive personality patterns. Results from independent T-tests found higher means on each of these variables with those using a SSRI. Higher scores on the scales that measured depressive symptoms and the personality patterns indicate the presence of more symptoms. However, higher scores on the interest in sexual activity variable indicate less interest in sexual activity. Correlational analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between partner's antidepressant status and the overall score on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, dyadic satisfaction, dyadic cohesion, sexual activity per month, and sexual relationship satisfaction. Results from a MANOVA analysis revealed differences in mean scores on sexual relationship satisfaction by partner's antidepressant status. No significant differences in mean scores were found between scores on the dyadic consensus, dyadic adjustment, and dyadic satisfaction by partner's antidepressant status.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT2

DECLARATION3

ABSTRACT4

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION6

Significance of the Study8

Purpose of the Study10

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW11

Neurochemistry of Love12

Dopamine13

Oxytocin18

Vasopressin26

Combined Studies: Vasopressin, Dopamine, and Oxytocin29

Personal Relationship32

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY43

Participants/Recruitment43

Instruments45

Medication Inquiry46

Dyadic Adjustment Scale46

State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)48

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND ANALYSIS51

Analysis52

Sample54

Demographic Information55

MANCOVA58

Discussion59

Supplemental Analysis66

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION68

REFERENCES73

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

In the past few years several case reports have shown an association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine and bleeding disorders.-7 Most of the patients had mild bleeding disorders, for example, ecchymoses, purpura, epistaxis, or prolonged bleeding time but several had more serious conditions such as gastrointestinal haemorrhage, genitourinary bleeding, and intracranial haemorrhage.

The release of serotonin from platelets has an important role in regulating the haemostatic response to vascular injury.8,9 Serotonin is not synthesised in platelets but is taken up from the circulation by serotonin transporters on the platelets, which are similar to those in the human brain.10 At therapeutic doses fluoxetine and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have consistently been shown ...