Challenges in translational research: MDMA in the laboratory versus therapeutic settings.
Harriet de Wit, Anya K. Bershad, Charles S. Grob
Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211015221 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Mental disorders MDMA Trials Psychedelic research Ecstasy research Clinical translation Bench-to-bedside research Bridging research gap Applied research Translational MDMA Research Experimental design Clinical trial design Research methodology Controlled study design Participant characteristics research Environmental factors research MDMA Research Design |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key findings | Substantial methodological differences between clinical and laboratory studies of MDMA hinder translation of findings, but bridging these gaps is possible. |
Abstract
Despite substantial progress in the use of mind-altering drugs to treat psychiatric disorders, the psychological processes through which these drugs change mood or behavior are poorly understood. Controlled laboratory studies with well-defined psychological constructs are valuable to understand how these drugs manifest their therapeutic benefit. However, there are substantial methodological differences between clinical studies investigating therapeutic outcome and laboratory studies investigating the processes that might underlie the therapeutic effects. Here, we examine some of these differences using the example of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). We review differences in expectancies, social and physical context, participant characteristics, pharmacological factors, and outcome measures in studies with participants who do or do not have psychiatric diagnoses. We describe the challenges and opportunities in translating findings from laboratory studies to the clinic and identify ways to bridge the gap between these approaches.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Pharmacology of MDMA | 2004 | Review | |
| Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research | 2001 | Review | |
| 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans | 1994 | Review | |
| (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals | 2000 | Review | |
| Amphetamine toxicities | 2010 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Current Neuropharmacology January 5, 2024
- Role of the 5-HT2A Receptor in Acute Effects of LSD on Empathy and Circulating Oxytocin Frontiers in Pharmacology July 13, 2021
- Expectancy Effects in Psychedelic Trials. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging May 1, 2024
- Translating Psychedelic Therapies From Clinical Trials to Community Clinics: Building Bridges and Addressing Potential Challenges Ahead Frontiers in Psychiatry November 4, 2021
- Debunking the myth of 'Blue Mondays': No evidence of affect drop after taking clinical MDMA. Journal of Psychopharmacology December 13, 2021
and 6 more in the library
Cites 24
- Psychedelics and the essential importance of context. Journal of Psychopharmacology February 15, 2018
- Constructing drug effects: A history of set and setting Drug Science, Policy and Law 2017
- Prediction of Psilocybin Response in Healthy Volunteers PLoS One February 17, 2012
- MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD: study design and rationale for phase 3 trials based on pooled analysis of six phase 2 randomized controlled trials. Psychopharmacology September 1, 2019
- MDMA enhances emotional empathy and prosocial behavior Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience October 4, 2013
and 19 more in the library