Can Psychedelics Improve Sexual Function and Satisfaction?

Can Psychedelics Improve Sexual Function and Satisfaction?

In a study recently published in the journalScientific reportsResearchers examined the influence of psychedelics on sexual function using a large, naturalistic study and a controlled clinical trial that compared the effects of psilocybin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on various aspects of sexual function in patients with major depressive disorder.

background

Research into psychedelic substances has been relatively inconsistent. In the 1950s and into the 1970s, various clinical trials examined the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for the treatment of alcohol dependence and mood disorders.

Psychedelics also played a major role in the social movements of the 1960s, such as anti-war protests and hippie culture. However, the Controlled Substances Act passed by the United Nations in 1971 brought most scientific research into psychedelics to a halt.

Recent studies indicate a revival of research interest in the use of psychedelics as therapeutic options for mental disorders. Studies have examined the effectiveness of psilocybin therapy in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Psilocybin also demonstrated comparable efficacy to the SSRI escitalopram in relieving symptoms of depression, with significantly better performance on secondary endpoints such as anhedonia, general functioning and well-being.

Given that sexual dysfunction is a common symptom in patients with major depressive disorder and is also the side effect of most SSRIs, it is important to examine the influence of psychedelics on sexual function.

About the study

In the present study, researchers examined the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings and ceremonies to understand their effects on various aspects of sexual function.

The connection was further investigated in a six-week clinical trial comparing psilocybin with escitalopram. Sexual function has been examined in the areas of sexual satisfaction, pleasure, arousal, body image, meaning of sex, and sexual desires.

Using a series of self-constructed questions, the researchers also wanted to understand whether psychedelics affect sexual openness and desire for sexual exploration. In addition, the study examined the differences in this relationship between male and female patients.

Although not a core symptom, sexual dysfunction is very common in people with major depressive disorder. The most commonly reported symptoms are difficulty with arousal, decreased libido, and a delay or absence of orgasms in patients of both sexes.

Additionally, sexual dysfunction is known to be a common side effect of SSRIs such as fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram.

Impairments in sexual function due to SSRIs are thought to be due to the downstream effects of SSRIs on dopaminergic and serotoninergic effects. Sexual dysfunction can also significantly affect self-esteem and affect the quality of relationships and life.

Sexual satisfaction has also been linked to lower rates of depression in people of both genders.

For the first part of the study, researchers collected data from people who attended a ceremony where psychedelics such as magic mushrooms, psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD, N, N-dimethyltryptamine, etc. were consumed.

The second part of the study included data from a double-blind, controlled Phase II clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of psilocybin therapy with that of escitalopram therapy in major depressive disorder.

Results

The results of the naturalistic study showed that psychedelic use led to improvements in various areas of sexual satisfaction and function, including body image, partner satisfaction, and improvements in communication and pleasure during sex.

The clinical trial included in the study also supported these results and reported that the post-acute effects of psilocybin therapy were positive in terms of sexual function, while escitalopram therapy was not.

The results suggest that both psilocybin and escitalopram therapy resulted in comparable reductions in depression symptoms, but escitalopram had a significant negative impact on sexual functioning.

However, the researchers also noted that these findings on the negative effects of escitalopram may not be generalized to all SSRIs because several SSRIs have been developed that do not cause sexual dysfunction to the same extent as escitalopram.

The different influences of escitalopram and psilocybin on sexual function may be related to the different mechanisms by which they relieve depression.

SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake, increase serotonin concentrations, and promote serotonin activity in the postsynaptic phase.

This affects downstream serotoninergic and dopaminergic functions and subsequently affects acetylcholine, testosterone and nitric oxide levels, which affect libido.

Conclusions

Overall, the results showed that the use of psilocybin in the treatment of major depressive disorders could have a positive impact on sexual functioning.

While this association needs to be further investigated through validated measures, the results support the fact that psychedelics not only reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder, but could also potentially be important treatment options for other disorders that have limited sexual functioning.

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