Perspective: Can psychedelic-assisted therapy be a promising aid in compulsive sexual behavior disorder treatment?

Psychedelics may be effective in treating Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) and other problematic sexual behaviors, which are considered behavioral addictions. The proposed mechanisms include reducing experiential avoidance by promoting exposure and acceptance, shifting brain activity from higher- to lower-level association regions, and impacting 5-HT2A receptors. Psychedelics-induced states share common characteristics with mindfulness-induced states, and mindfulness-based interventions already show promise for CSBD. The relative safety and low addictive potential of psychedelics support their integration into traditional therapies for CSBD and other out-of-control behaviors.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Recently, there has been an increase in studies yielding evidence for psychedelics' anxiolytic and anti-depressive qualities. Preliminary evidence for treatment in substance addiction is also available. In our manuscript, we present a perspective on the possible effectiveness and mechanisms of action of psychedelics' introduction in the treatment of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) and other p roblematic sexual behaviors, which are considered representative of the so-called “behavioral addiction” category. Evidence for the efficacy of Mindfulness Based Interventions in CSBD treatment is promising. Psychedelics- and mindfulness-induced states share common characteristics on both a subjective and objective level. One of the proposed mechanisms regards reduction of experiential avoidance through the promotion of exposure and acceptance. On the neurophysiological level, a shift from higher- to lower-level association regions and an impact on 5- HT2A receptors is observed. Elaborated mechanisms explain the possible enhancement of therapeutic processes by psychedelics. Psychedelics' relative safety and low addictive potential support their introduction into traditional forms of therapy for CSBD and other out of control behaviors.