No Evidence that MDMA-Induced Enhancement of Emotional Empathy Is Related to Peripheral Oxytocin Levels or 5-HT1a Receptor Activation
Kim P. C. Kuypers, Rafael de la Torre, Magı́ Farré, Samanta Yubero‐lahoz, Isabel Dziobek, Wouter van den Bos, Johannes G. Ramaekers
PLoS One June 27, 2014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100719 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Placebo-controlled Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Healthy poly-drug MDMA users aged 18-26 years |
| Interventions | MDMA pindolol oxytocin nasal spray |
| Dose | 75 mg MDMA, 20 mg pindolol, 40 IU+16 IU oxytocin nasal spray |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Empathy Pindolol Oxytocin receptor Placebo Clinical psychology Developmental psychology |
| Citations | 88 |
| Key findings | MDMA (75 mg) selectively enhances emotional empathy without affecting cognitive empathy, trust, or reciprocity, and this effect is not mediated by peripheral oxytocin or the 5-HT1A receptor. |
Abstract
The present study aimed at investigating the effect of MDMA on measures of empathy and social interaction, and the roles of oxytocin and the 5-HT1A receptor in these effects. The design was placebo-controlled within-subject with 4 treatment conditions: MDMA (75 mg), with or without pindolol (20 mg), oxytocin nasal spray (40 IU+16 IU) or placebo. Participants were 20 healthy poly-drug MDMA users, aged between 18-26 years. Cognitive and emotional empathy were assessed by means of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and the Multifaceted Empathy Test. Social interaction, defined as trust and reciprocity, was assessed by means of a Trust Game and a Social Ball Tossing Game. Results showed that MDMA selectively affected emotional empathy and left cognitive empathy, trust and reciprocity unaffected. When combined with pindolol, these effects remained unchanged. Oxytocin did not affect measures of empathy and social interaction. Changes in emotional empathy were not related to oxytocin plasma levels. It was concluded that MDMA (75 mg) selectively enhances emotional empathy in humans. While the underlying neurobiological mechanism is still unknown, it is suggested that peripheral oxytocin does not seem to be the main actor in this; potential candidates are the serotonin 2A and the vasopressin 1A receptors. Trial registration: MDMA & PSB NTR 2636.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
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- Effect of Psilocybin on Empathy and Moral Decision-Making The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology June 14, 2017
- Sub-Acute Effects of Psilocybin on Empathy, Creative Thinking, and Subjective Well-Being Journal of Psychoactive Drugs February 26, 2019
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Cites 16
- Durability of improvement in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and absence of harmful effects or drug dependency after 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy: a prospective long-term follow-up study. Journal of Psychopharmacology 2013
- MDMA enhances emotional empathy and prosocial behavior Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience October 4, 2013
- Increased oxytocin concentrations and prosocial feelings in humans after ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) administration Social Neuroscience June 25, 2009
- A review of acute effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in healthy volunteers Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2006
- Effects of Acute MDMA Intoxication on Mood and Impulsivity: Role of the 5-HT2 and 5-HT1 Receptors PLoS One July 10, 2012
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