Few studies have investigated
placebo and nocebo effects in a human sexuality context. Studying placebo and
nocebo responses in this context may provide insight in their potential to
modulate sexual drive and function.
To examine such effects in sexual medicine,
48 healthy, male, heterosexual participants were divided into four groups. Each
group received instruction to expect stimulating effects, no effect, or an
inhibitory effect on sexual functions. Only one group received the dopamine
agonist cabergoline, all other groups received placebo or nocebo. Modulations
in sexual experience were examined through an established experimental paradigm
of sexual arousal and masturbation-induced orgasm during erotic film sequences
with instruction to induce placebo or nocebo effects. Endocrine data,
appetitive, consummatory, and refractory sexual behavior parameters were
assessed using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and the Acute Sexual
Experience Scale (ASES).
Results showed increased levels of sexual function
after administration of cabergoline showing significant effects for several
parameters. Placebo effects were induced only to a small degree. No negative
effects on sexual parameters in the nocebo condition were noted. This paradigm
could only induce small placebo and nocebo effects. This supports the view that
healthy male sexual function seems relatively resistant against negative
external influences.
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By:
- 1 Hannover Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Clinical Psychology & Sexual Medicine , Hannover , Germany.
- 2 Axel Springer GmbH, Health Portal Onmeda.de , Cologne , Germany.
- 3 University Hospital Essen, Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology , Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen , 45122 Germany.
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