Abstract Introduction Emerging in the late 1990s within sexualized contexts, chemsex-the intentional use of psychoactive substances to enhance or prolong sexual activity-has evolved from a niche practice to a globally recognized public health concern, particularly among LGBTQ populations and men who have sex with men (MSM). Early accounts involved 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and...
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is increasingly investigated as a treatment for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder. In the United States (US) and European Union, esketamine has been approved for the treatment of depression, while psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have received Breakthrough Therapy Designation in the US for...
Despite clinical investigations with psychedelics for severe cases of mood disorders and PTSD and current research suggesting such applicability, research on their application in couples therapy and sex therapy is scarce. The objective of this systematic review was to highlight these drugs as adjuvants for such patients. Literature research was conducted using the terms “couple’s therapy” or...
Difficulties with sexual function are common with implications for couples' psychological and relationship well-being. Sexual mindfulness (ie, non-judgmental present-moment awareness during sexual activity) has been positively linked to sexual function in cross-sectional studies, but associations in the context of couples' daily lives are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine if...
Background: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) includes regular home practice of mindfulness exercises as a key means of cultivating mindfulness. Although there are instruments available for measuring homework adherence following cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), little is known about measuring homework practice in MBCT studies for sexual dysfunction. Aim: In this review we sought to...
BACKGROUND: Distressing low libido is common among women and has significant negative impacts; mindfulness has shown promise to increase sexual desire in women with low libido, but existing interventions are not tailored to midlife and older women. AIM: We adapted a mindfulness intervention to meet the needs of this population and conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess...
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘Ecstasy’ or ‘Molly’) is a synthetic psychostimulant and entactogenic drug of abuse that augments feelings of pleasure, increases energy, and distorts sensory perception. MDMA increases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine neurotransmission within the mesolimbic reward pathway, which impacts human sexual function. While dopamine is implicated as a...
ABSTRACT Introduction Altered states of consciousness (ASCs) refer to marked changes in usual waking consciousness. Sexual arousal, orgasm, and resolution, are modulated by neural pathways that are also activated by psychoactive substances that trigger ASCs. Relatedly, self-report studies show that sexual activity may trigger ASCs. However, investigation about sex-related ASCs is scarce. More...
Abstract: Introduction: This study examines the effectiveness of integrating mindfulness-based techniques within therapy for women suffering to achieve orgasm. Although widely applied in psychotherapy, this approach has only recently been introduced in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of a video-based self-administered treatment, rooted within the...
INTRODUCTION Cannabis is reported to enhance sexual function; yet, previous studies have shown that physiological and subjective indices of sexual arousal and motivation were associated with decreased availability of circulating endocannabinoid concentrations. AIM To explain this contradiction, we evaluated which aspects of sexual experience were enhanced or diminished by cannabis use. METHODS...
INTRODUCTION Mindfulness-based therapies (MBT) are more and more frequently used in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions; therefore, it seems very important to assess evidence-based data on the clinical efficacy of these interventions. AIM To provide a systematic review of published studies into the efficacy of MBT in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions. METHODS The material for the analysis...
INTRODUCTION Chronic and distressing genito-pelvic pain associated with vaginal penetration is most frequently due to provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduces genital pain intensity and improves psychological and sexual well-being. In general chronic pain populations, mindfulness-based approaches may be as effective for improving pain intensity as...
Despite their widespread prevalence, there are no existing evidence-based psychological treatments for women with sexual desire and arousal disorder. Mindfulness, the practice of relaxed wakefulness, is an ancient eastern practice with roots in Buddhist meditation which has been found to be an effective component of psychological treatments for numerous psychiatric and medical illnesses. In...