Can research on entactogens contribute to a deeper understanding of human sexuality?
Justyna Holka-Pokorska
Pharmacological Reports December 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00552-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine Entactogens Sexuality |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Current MDMA-assisted psychotherapy protocols give little consideration to the potential neurobehavioral effects of entactogens on participants' sexuality, including sexualized pharmacotransference. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Ethical issues with psychedelic-assisted treatments in psychiatry: A systematic scoping review Psychological Medicine 2025
- Ethical Aspects of Psychedelic-Assisted Treatments: An Overview. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences November 8, 2024
- Guruism and Cultic Social Dynamics in Psychedelic Practices and Organisations. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences January 4, 2025
- Sex and psychedelics: a wide-lens look at a burgeoning field Medical Humanities January 6, 2025
- Designing the future of consciousness: A components framework and speculative implications International Journal of Human-Computer Studies September 1, 2026
and 1 more in the library
Cites 49
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and 44 more in the library