From the Research
Masturbation can help reduce anxiety temporarily for some people, but it is not a comprehensive treatment for anxiety disorders. When you masturbate, your body releases endorphins and other feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, which can create a sense of relaxation and well-being. This natural chemical response can temporarily lower stress levels and provide a calming effect. Additionally, the physical release of sexual tension can help relieve physical manifestations of anxiety such as muscle tension. However, it's essential to understand that masturbation is not a substitute for evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders.
Key Points to Consider
- The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2023, which found that cognitive behavioral treatment, serotonin, and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors are effective treatments for anxiety in children and adolescents 1.
- While masturbation may provide short-term relief, persistent or severe anxiety is better addressed through evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, medication when appropriate, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques.
- A 2022 study found that combining selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behavioral therapy in youth with depression and anxiety can produce greater improvement than either treatment alone 2.
- A 2021 study found that all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors were effective for multiple symptom domains, and in patients from all included diagnostic categories 3.
- A 2019 study found that limbic activity during emotion perception is reduced by both SSRI and CBT treatments, and predicts anxiety and depression symptom improvement 4.
- A 2011 study found that young adults' perceptions of and feelings toward masturbation were the result of a developmental process that included learning about the act of masturbation and how to do it, learning and internalizing the social contradiction of stigma and taboo surrounding this pleasurable act, and coming to terms with this tension between stigma and pleasure 5.
Recommendations
- If anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, consulting with a healthcare provider would be more beneficial for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
- Consider evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, medication when appropriate, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques to address anxiety disorders.