Prospective exploratory study investigates transcranial photobiomodulation effects on emotional and behavioral markers in individuals with psychosexual trauma, suggesting innovative therapies.
Introduction Psychological trauma related to sexuality profoundly affects the mental, cognitive, and physiological health of individuals. Scientific literature has identified neurobiological alterations in regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex, as well as dysfunctions in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, particularly in cases of childhood abuse. These neurophysiological and behavioral changes are encompassed within what is known as Trauma Spectrum Disorders. In this context, non-invasive technologies such as transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) have emerged as potential tools for modulating altered psychophysiological patterns. tPBM applies red or near-infrared light to the scalp to promote effects such as increased cerebral oxygenation, reduction of neuroinflammation, improvement of functional connectivity, and stimulation of processes associated with neuroplasticity. Objectives Although no studies have yet been published applying tPBM directly to psychosexual trauma, the shared neurobiological mechanisms between trauma-related conditions suggest that this technology represents a promising therapeutic approach. This study aims to investigate the impact of transcranial photobiomodulation on neural, emotional, and behavioral markers in individuals undergoing psychotherapeutic follow-up for psychological trauma related to sexuality. The objective is to evaluate whether non-ionizing light stimulation can contribute to neuroplastic reorganization and subjective well-being in this population. Methods This is a prospective, exploratory, qualitative study that will be conducted following ethical approval. Thirty adult participants (aged ≥18 years) currently engaged in psychotherapeutic treatment will be recruited. The intervention will employ a transcranial photobiomodulation helmet emitting near-infrared light at a therapeutic wavelength consistent with evidence from previous studies on brain photobiomodulation. Each participant will undergo a predefined number of stimulation sessions, followed by psychological and narrative assessments. Standardized qualitative instruments will be administered before and after the intervention, addressing trauma symptoms, emotional regulation, and self-perception of sexual health. The collected narratives will be examined through thematic and content analysis to identify emergent patterns related to emotional regulation, subjective well-being, and perceived neuropsychological changes. Results As the study is in its initial phase, results are theoretical and based on existing scientific evidence. Prior research on tPBM has reported cognitive improvement, relief of post-traumatic stress symptoms, enhanced emotional well-being, and reorganization of brain connectivity patterns in individuals with histories of concussion, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These outcomes provide the theoretical foundation for exploring tPBM’s potential to facilitate emotional processing and subjective integration in psychosexual trauma. Conclusion: This project aims to contribute to the development of safe, accessible, and complementary therapeutic strategies that respect the ethical and clinical standards required in health research. By combining advances in radiation technology and neuroscience with the complex field of sexual medicine, this study proposes an integrative and innovative perspective on human sexual health and trauma rehabilitation. Disclosure No
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Morais et al. (2026) studied this question.
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