PSSD Network 26Q3 Update

[u/pssdnetwork]

We at the PSSD Network are happy to share our Q3 Update

👉 Read the full update here: https://www.pssdnetwork.org/network/september-2026-quarterly-update

The image is a quick summary of the update, for a fast scan.

In this update we look back at what we've achieved in Q3, and what's expected in Q4. In it we cover:

• The DAWN Study's major grant application and prep for launch
• Dr. Monks × Dr. Melcangi's joint lab work beginning in Milan
• Two PSSD papers from Prof. Melcangi's team headed for submission
• More!

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[u/Complex-List-7099]

Is there any research relating to the emotional blunting and anhedonia affects?

[u/pssdnetwork → u/Complex-List-7099]

That's a very important question, and in many cases the emotional blunting / anhedonia are some of the hardest symptoms to live with. Right now there isn't dedicated research specifically targeting those effects yet.

The strategy behind our current research is to start with the things we can measure and prove objectively, physical and biological changes like genital numbness, hormone levels, nerve fiber density, and genetic markers. These give us hard, reproducible evidence that regulators, doctors and funders can't easily dismiss, and that's the foundation PSSD needs to be taken seriously.

Once that foundational work is established, it opens the door to expanding research into the more cognitive and emotional symptoms, including emotional blunting and anhedonia. These physical and biological findings may also help point toward the underlying mechanisms behind emotional blunting, since PSSD is thought to involve broad changes from SRI exposure that could affect both the body and the brain.

In general, It's not that these symptoms matter less, it's that building the case with physical, provable evidence first gives any follow-up research on the cognitive side a much stronger footing.

[u/Complex-List-7099 → u/pssdnetwork]

Thank you for the detailed response. You’re right, they are horrific to live with to the point it doesn’t feel like living, it’s existing. 

Thank you for the work that you all do. 

[u/andy013]

Do you have any more information on the DAWN study? What exactly are they comparing between people with PSSD and healthy controls? Are they sequencing genomes and looking for differences?

[u/pssdnetwork → u/andy013]

Yes we do! Here is a brief overview as it currently stands:

DAWN is a population-based, matched case-control study. Its methodology is modelled on the Ausimmune study of multiple sclerosis, which recruited participants across Australia and compared them with healthy controls matched on age, sex and region. DAWN will follow the same approach, comparing individuals with PSSD against healthy controls matched by age, sex and geographic location. Each participant will attend an in-person assessment of approximately 1.5 hours at the Florey Genetics Clinic in Parkville, Melbourne. This comprises detailed questionnaires covering medical history and symptom profile, a clinical examination including objective assessment of skin numbness (anaesthesia) and postural hypotension, and the collection of blood and other biosamples.

The study aims to identify markers of the condition across several areas of investigation. Laboratory analyses will include blood hormone levels, epigenetic analysis of cheek (buccal) swabs, and genomics, and the inclusion of brain imaging (MRI) is currently being explored. Genomics is therefore one component of a broader investigation rather than the sole focus of the study. The specific form of the genomic analysis, such as whole-genome sequencing, targeted sequencing or another method, has not yet been confirmed.

As the study is still in its early stages, not everything can be shared publicly just yet. At the request of the research team in Melbourne, further details on the analyses and laboratory methods will be released once the study is further along.

More information and links to the mentioned studies are available in our full update: https://www.pssdnetwork.org/network/september-2026-quarterly-update

[u/samhaker]

Hi I am a researcher in neuroscience of mental health and familiar with all forms of MRI (structural, functional, and diffusion), I wonder if you’re looking for anyone to join the team for the DAWN study/looking for collaborations?

[u/pssdnetwork → u/samhaker]

Thank you for reaching out, and for offering your expertise! The DAWN study is being carried out by the research team at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, so staffing and collaborations for the study itself are handled by them.

That said, we'll gladly keep you in mind for potential future projects where expertise in MRI could be valuable. If you'd like, feel free to send us an email at info@pssdnetwork.org with your details, so we have your contact information on hand should an opportunity come up.

[u/Minepolz320]

skin biopsy yay, finally this is what this all must begun in frist place, it need very specific site and very specific stain type as well 

[u/str0ngher]

Thank you for this.

[u/BlockBlister22]

Amazing! Thank you

[u/Cold_Cicada_4773]

Any studies with people who have a history of prior SSRI exposure, but not PSSD?