A psychological cause is more likely if a man has erection problems some of the time. This can include:

• Performance anxiety and the fear that ED will keep occurring
• Depression – ED may be a symptom of depression, and in men with ED, the emotional stress commonly associated with loss of sexual function may lead to, or aggravate, depression
• Lack of arousal and/or inhibition, or relationship problems
• Other sexual dysfunction, e.g. premature ejaculation
• Major life stress such as money worries, bereavement, etc.

Typically, the ED develops quite suddenly if it has a psychological cause.

The ED may resolve when the person's mental state improves – for example, if their anxiety or depression eases. For some people, ED can exacerbate anxiety and depression, leading to a vicious circle of a worsening mental health issue and persisting ED.