This interview study (n=4 couples) explored the MDMA micro-dosing sexual experiences of four partnered men and women. Thematic analysis identified three key narratives: increased sexual self-efficacy; sexual exploration; and heightened relationship satisfaction. The use of microdosing MDMA had a positive effect on sexual and physical well-being by reducing stress and performance-related anxiety. Whilst higher doses of MDMA hindered sexual functioning this did not negatively impact the emotional and sensory experiences.
Abstract of Micro-dosing psychedelics as a plausible adjunct to psychosexual and couple’s therapy
“Background: Research has predominated among the therapeutic application of psychedelics for varied psychopathologies and yet remains limited when supporting sexual behaviour intimacy among couples; particularly those who micro-dose.
Method: Using semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study explored the micro-dosing sexual experiences of four partnered men and women aged 20–35 years. Interviews examined the effect of micro-dosing on confidence, openness, sexuality, inhibition and perceived relationship satisfaction.
Results: Thematic analysis identified three key narratives: increased sexual self-efficacy; sexual exploration; and heightened relationship satisfaction. From the participant’s perspective, the use of micro-dosing psychedelics had a positive effect on sexual and physical well-being by reducing stress and performance-related anxiety. This, in turn, elevated sexual desire, exploration, communication and enhanced sensory and sexual experience, thus potentially supporting emotional and physical connection. In terms of erectile functioning and orgasm, participants attributed this to being micro-dose and psychedelic choice dependent. Whilst higher doses of MDMA hindered sexual functioning this did not negatively impact the emotional and sensory experiences.
Conclusion: These findings point to micro-dosing psychedelics as offering a potentially beneficial adjunct to psychosexual and couple’s therapy; potentiating relationship and sexual satisfaction. Further research might wish to gravitate quantitatively towards a larger and varied micro-dosing populace in supporting sexual self-efficacy and intimacy.”
Authors: Lucy Jacobs, Samantha Banbury & Joanne Lusher
Summary of Micro-dosing psychedelics as a plausible adjunct to psychosexual and couple’s therapy: a qualitative insight
Psychedelics are psychoactive substances that exert biopsychosocial and spiritual effects via serotonin 5HT2A receptors. They are used in therapeutic assisted research due to the challenges associated with introducing psychedelic medicine into healthcare.
LSD-assisted psychotherapy appears beneficial for participants in accessing “intense emotional peak experiences” and confronting psychopathologies with minimal side-effects. Micro-dosing of psychedelics has been found to support weet alll being including anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Psychedelics have been found to enhance the sexual experience, and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies has proposed to introduce MDMA-assisted couple therapy into a Food and Drug Administration approved prescription treatment by 2023.
Find this paper
https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2022.2044466
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Cite this paper (APA)
Jacobs, L., Banbury, S., & Lusher, J. (2024). Micro-dosing psychedelics as a plausible adjunct to psychosexual and couple’s therapy: A qualitative insight. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 39(3), 791-804.
Study details
Compounds studied
MDMA
Topics studied
Microdosing
Study characteristics
Interviews
Qualitative
Participants
8
Humans