Can research on entactogens contribute to a deeper understanding of human sexuality?

Entactogens like MDMA may recreate the subjective experience of emotional intimacy, initiation of intimate relationships, or feelings of 'falling in love' with previously neutral individuals. MDMA-induced sexual arousal-like effects are observed through subjective behavioral perceptions of desire and arousal and specific physiological markers such as oxytocin and prolactin. Although modern MDMA-assisted psychotherapy protocols follow strict ethical guidelines, little consideration has been given to the potential neurobehavioral effects of entactogens on participants' sexuality, including the potential experience of sexualized pharmacotransference. The psychophysiological and sexual effects of entactogens should be discussed more openly in current protocols.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In recent years, scientific research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds has experienced a resurgence of interest. New studies have shown promising results, supporting the use of psychedelic drugs in treating various psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even alcohol addiction. The FDA has recognized 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a breakthrough therapy to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. At the same time, interviews with recreational MDMA users have documented experiences of emotional intimacy while using MDMA, often without the desire for penetrative sex. However, some people have reported that MDMA increases their sexual arousal and specifically use it to enhance their sexual performance. This study aims to analyze current and planned research on the psychophysiological effects of entactogens on human sexuality. With their prosocial potential, the pharmacokinetic and neuroendocrine effects of entactogens may recreate the subjective experience of emotional intimacy, the initiation of intimate relationships, or even feelings of 'falling in love' with previously neutral individuals while under the influence of entactogens. This includes MDMA-induced sexual arousal-like effects observed through subjective behavioral perceptions of desire and arousal and specific physiological markers such as oxytocin and prolactin. Modern MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) protocols are transparent and follow strict ethical guidelines. However, despite these proposed ethical principles, little consideration has been given to the potential neurobehavioral effects of entactogens on the sexuality of participants in MDMA-AP protocols. The psychophysiological and sexual effects of entactogens should be discussed more openly in current MDMA-AP protocols, including the potential experience of the phenomenon of sexualized pharmacotransference.