Reading the Freudian theory of sexual drives from a functional neuroimaging perspective

Abstract

One of the essential tasks of neuropsychoanalysis is to investigate the neural correlates of sexual drives. Here, we consider the four defining characteristics of sexual drives as delineated by Freud: their pressure, aim, object, and source. We systematically examine the relations between these characteristics and the four-component neurophenomenological model that we have proposed based on functional neuroimaging studies, which comprises a cognitive, a motivational, an emotional and an autonomic/neuroendocrine component. Functional neuroimaging studies of sexual arousal (SA) have thrown a new light on the four fundamental characteristics of sexual drives by identifying their potential neural correlates. While these studies are essentially consistent with the Freudian model of drives, the main difference emerging between the functional neuroimaging perspective on sexual drives and the Freudian theory relates to the source of drives. From a functional neuroimaging perspective, sources of sexual drives, conceived by psychoanalysis as processes of excitation occurring in a peripheral organ, do not seem, at least in adult subjects, to be an essential part of the determinants of SA. It is rather the central processing of visual or genital stimuli that gives to these stimuli their sexually arousing and sexually pleasurable character. Finally, based on functional neuroimaging results, some possible improvements to the psychoanalytic theory of sexual drives are suggested.

Connectivity and functional profiling of abnormal brain structures in pedophilia

“…Neural activity in amygdala and thalamus during sexual arousal is associated with a general feeling of pleasure [Walter et al, ], possibly induced by dopamine release in the midbrain, which projects to both thalamus and amygdala [Haber and Knutson, ]. It has further been proposed that these regions trigger the sexual‐cognitive processes by relevance detection and affective evaluation of sexual stimuli [Poeppl et al, ] and therefore relate to the motivational and emotional components of sexual arousal [Stoléru, ]. Equally related to these components is the anterior insula [Stoléru et al, ], where we also noted overlap.…”

“…These regions, however, are consistently deactivated during sexual arousal. This has been interpreted as concomitant impairment of metacognitive and self‐reflexive processing (TPJ) as well as release of intrinsic inhibition (STG) [Poeppl et al, ; Stoléru, ].…”

The neural basis of sex differences in sexual behavior: A quantitative meta-analysis

“…Sexual motivation in turn modulates excitability of motor cortices (Schecklmann et al, 2015), where we observed convergence of activation during sexual stimulation in women. This reflection of sexual motivation in motor cortex excitability provides evidence for motor preparation processes in sexual behavior in humans (Schecklmann et al, 2015; Stoléru, 2014). Convergent activity in the dACC and MCC should also contribute to sexual motivation given the connectivity of both structures with LPFC and premotor areas (Beckmann et al, 2009; Etkin et al, 2011).…”

“…The basal ganglia hold strong structural and functional connections with motor areas (Draganski et al, 2008; Postuma, 2006). Corticobasal ganglia loops are believed to mediate the perceived urge to express sexual behavior and therefore sexual motivation (Kühn and Gallinat, 2011; Stoléru, 2014; Tanaka et al, 2004). Sexual motivation in turn modulates excitability of motor cortices (Schecklmann et al, 2015), where we observed convergence of activation during sexual stimulation in women.…”

“…Remarkably, the results of these studies have been largely consistent with the Freudian concept of sexual drives (Freud, 1915; for an overview, cf. Stoléru, 2014). The drive concept involves a motor factor representing the urge of the so-called sexual instinct and satisfaction as the ultimate aim.…”