“This is particularly significant given that sexual dysfunction,often induced by antidepressants,frequently results in people stopping these medications and subsequently relapsing.
“On the surface,this type of research may seem ‘quirky’,but the psychological aspects of sexual function – including how we think about our own bodies,our attraction to our partners and our ability to connect to people intimately – are all important to psychological wellbeing in sexually active adults,” Barba said.
“Sexuality is a fundamental human drive. For example,we know that sexual dysfunction is linked to lower wellbeing in healthy adults,can impact relationship satisfaction,and is even linked to subjective happiness and ‘meaning in life’.”
The study,published inScientific Reports,found people do not get obsessed with sex,with it being no more important to patients than before,but the enjoyment of it is heightened with the drugs.
Barba added:“It’s important to stress our work does not focus on what happens to sexual functioning while people are on psychedelics,and we are not talking about perceived ‘sexual performance’.
“But it does indicate there may be a lasting positive impact on sexual functioning after their psychedelic experience,which could potentially have impacts on psychological wellbeing.”
Dr David Erritzoe,the clinical director of Imperial’s Centre for Psychedelic Research,said:“This study shines yet more light on the far-reaching effects of psychedelics on an array of psychological functioning.
Loading
“While the findings are indeed interesting,we are still far from a clear clinical application because psychedelics are yet to be integrated into the medical system. In future,we may be able to see a clinical application,but more research is needed.”
The Telegraph,London