MDMA for the Treatment of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia
Mitchell Arnovitz, Andrew Spitzberg, Ashkhan J. Davani, Nehal P. Vadhan, Julie Holland, John M. Kane, Timothy I. Michaels
Journal of Clinical Medicine June 7, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123255 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Schizophrenia object-oriented programming Methamphetamine |
| Citations | 29 |
| Key findings | MDMA may be a safe and potentially effective treatment for negative symptoms of schizophrenia, though further research is needed. |
Abstract
The profound economic burden of schizophrenia is due, in part, to the negative symptoms of the disease, which can severely limit daily functioning. There is much debate in the field regarding their measurement and classification and there are no FDA-approved treatments for negative symptoms despite an abundance of research. 3,4-Methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) is a schedule I substance that has emerged as a novel therapeutic given its ability to enhance social interactions, generate empathy, and induce a state of metaplasticity in the brain. This review provides a rationale for the use of MDMA in the treatment of negative symptoms by reviewing the literature on negative symptoms, their treatment, MDMA, and MDMA-assisted therapy. It reviews recent evidence that supports the safe and potentially effective use of MDMA to treat negative symptoms and concludes with considerations regarding safety and possible mechanisms of action.
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 18
- Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of human studies European Neuropsychopharmacology August 7, 2023
- Reconsidering evidence for psychedelic-induced psychosis: an overview of reviews, a systematic review, and meta-analysis of human studies. Molecular Psychiatry March 1, 2025
- Expert Opinion on Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for People with Psychopathological Psychotic Experiences and Psychotic Disorders International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction April 1, 2024
- An overview of psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ketamine in revitalizing psychedelic-assisted therapy: Insights, limitations and future directions. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry July 25, 2025
- EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy for Depression March 6, 2024
and 13 more in the library
Cites 32
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nature Medicine June 1, 2021
- Human Pharmacology of MDMA Therapeutic Drug Monitoring March 19, 2004
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
and 27 more in the library