Psychedelics such as LSD and hallucinogenic mushrooms may improve sexual function after one undergoes a psychedelic experience. Researchers are reporting the results of a new study, which they believe is the first study to look into the effects of psychedelic substances on sex.
For their research, the investigators gathered survey responses from an estimated 300 participants prior to and after a psychedelic experience that involved drugs such as magic mushrooms, DMT and ayahuasca. Respondents included individuals who were taking the drugs for ceremonial, wellness or recreational purposes, as well as a small group involved in a trial that evaluated the effect of psilocybin on depression.
The investigators then compared results from both groups in an effort to determine how the psychedelic experience influenced different factors linked to sexual functioning. Their findings showed that on average, individuals reported improvements in different areas of sexual function up to six months after their experience with psychedelics, including sexual satisfaction, sexual arousal, enjoyment of sex, communication, attraction to their partners and connection with their partners.
The researchers also found that almost one-half of participants in the psilocybin clinical trial saw improvements in sexual arousal, interest in sex and sexual satisfaction. In contrast, individuals who were on antidepressant drugs mainly reported declines in sexual function.
Based on their findings, the investigators opined that psychedelics could have a therapeutic use in couples’ therapy. In their report, they explained that the development of psychedelic-based therapies for depression could help avoid sexual dysfunction and other side effects of antidepressants.
The first author of the study, Tommaso Barba, stated that the group’s discovery suggested possible implications for conditions that negatively affected sexual health, including anxiety and clinical depression. Barba, a PhD student at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, explained that this was significant because sexual dysfunction induced by antidepressants often resulted in individuals stopping their medications and subsequently relapsing. Barba added that attraction to our partners, how we perceived our bodies and our ability to connect to others intimately were all crucial to psychological well-being in sexually active grownups.
In their report, investigators highlighted that even though psychedelics such as psilocybin had shown great potential as a treatment of mental-health issues such as anxiety and depression, self-medication was not advised. They also discussed some of the limitations they experienced, including the reliance on data based on questionnaires. Most of the participants were also heterosexual, white, well educated and employed, which limited how generalizable their discoveries were across varying populations.
The research’s findings were reported in the “Nature Scientific” journal.
There is plenty of psychedelic research going on at the moment, and the world can expect more insights from entities such as Compass Pathways PLC (NASDAQ: CMPS) regarding additional ways in which users of these hallucinogenic substances can experience benefits, especially when used therapeutically.
About PsychedelicNewsWire
PsychedelicNewsWire (“PNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on all aspects of psychedelics and the latest developments and advances in the psychedelics sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, PNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, PNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. PNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from PsychedelicNewsWire, text “Groovy” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the PsychedelicNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by PNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
PsychedelicNewsWire
San Francisco, CA
www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@PsychedelicNewsWire.com
PsychedelicNewsWire is powered by IBN
According to a recent study, individuals who have used classic psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin…
There is a growing trend in which parents take tiny doses of psychedelics like LSD…
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center officials confirmed they are awaiting a $4.9m grant to…
A new study has found that while all ethnic and racial groups can benefit from…
A new study that is yet to be peer-reviewed has found that rats given psilocybin…
The American embassy in Peru has warned Americans against taking traditional psychedelics like the ayahuasca…