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Effects of transcranial photobiomodulation with near‐infrared light on sexual dysfunction
Author(s) -
Cassano Paolo,
Dording Christina,
Thomas Garrett,
Foster Simmie,
Yeung Albert,
Uchida Mai,
Hamblin Michael R.,
Bui Eric,
Fava Maurizio,
Mischoulon David,
Iosifescu Dan V.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.23011
Subject(s) - medicine , scalp , sexual dysfunction , sexual function , major depressive disorder , light therapy , orgasm , sexual arousal , erectile dysfunction , arousal , anesthesia , psychology , sexual behavior , amygdala , neuroscience , clinical psychology , surgery , circadian rhythm
Objectives Transcranial photobiomodulation (t‐PBM) consists of the delivery of near‐infrared (NIR) or red light to the scalp designed to penetrate to subjacent cortical areas of the brain. NIR t‐PBM has recently emerged as a potential therapy for brain disorders. This study assessed the efficacy of repeated sessions of NIR t‐PBM on sexual dysfunction. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of a double‐blind clinical trial on t‐PBM for major depressive disorder (MDD). Twenty individuals received NIR t‐PBM ( n = 9) or sham therapy ( n = 11) twice a week for 8 weeks. Sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm were assessed using the Systematic Assessment for Treatment‐Emergent Effects‐Specific Inquiry (SAFTEE‐SI). Results The mean improvement in sexual function (decrease in SAFTEE sex total score) in subjects receiving t‐PBM in NIR‐mode was significantly greater than in subjects receiving sham‐mode in the whole sample (NIR [ n = 9] −2.55 ± 1.88 vs. sham [ n = 11] −0.45 ± 1.21; z = 2.548, P = 0.011]) and in the completers (NIR [ n = 5] −3.4 ± 1.95 vs. sham [ n = 7] −0.14 ± 1.21; z = 2.576, P = 0.010]). Conclusion This exploratory study with a small sample size indicates that repeated sessions of NIR t‐PBM may be associated with therapeutic effects on sexual dysfunction. The latter appeared unrelated to the antidepressant effect of t‐PBM in our cohort. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:127–135, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.