Effects of methylphenidate and MDMA on appraisal of erotic stimuli and intimate relationships
Yasmin Schmid, Cédric M. Hysek, Katrin H. Preller, Oliver G. Bosch, Amy C. Bilderbeck, Robert D Rogers, Boris B. Quednow, Matthias E. Liechti
European Neuropsychopharmacology December 4, 2014 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.11.020 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Placebo-controlled Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Healthy adults |
| Interventions | Methylphenidate MDMA |
| Dose | 40 mg methylphenidate, 75 mg MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Methylphenidate Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 39 |
| Key findings | Methylphenidate, but not MDMA, increased subjective sexual arousal to explicit erotic stimuli and motivated participants to prolong viewing implicit sexual stimuli, while neither drug altered appraisal of romantic relationships. |
Abstract
Methylphenidate mainly enhances dopamine neurotransmission whereas 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") mainly enhances serotonin neurotransmission. However, both drugs also induce a weaker increase of cerebral noradrenaline exerting sympathomimetic properties. Dopaminergic psychostimulants are reported to increase sexual drive, while serotonergic drugs typically impair sexual arousal and functions. Additionally, serotonin has also been shown to modulate cognitive perception of romantic relationships. Whether methylphenidate or MDMA alter sexual arousal or cognitive appraisal of intimate relationships is not known. Thus, we evaluated effects of methylphenidate (40 mg) and MDMA (75 mg) on subjective sexual arousal by viewing erotic pictures and on perception of romantic relationships of unknown couples in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 30 healthy adults. Methylphenidate, but not MDMA, increased ratings of sexual arousal for explicit sexual stimuli. The participants also sought to increase the presentation time of implicit sexual stimuli by button press after methylphenidate treatment compared with placebo. Plasma levels of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone were not associated with sexual arousal ratings. Neither MDMA nor methylphenidate altered appraisal of romantic relationships of others. The findings indicate that pharmacological stimulation of dopaminergic but not of serotonergic neurotransmission enhances sexual drive. Whether sexual perception is altered in subjects misusing methylphenidate e.g., for cognitive enhancement or as treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is of high interest and warrants further investigation.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 17
- The Prosocial Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): Controlled Studies in Humans and Laboratory Animals Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews September 25, 2015
- Direct comparison of the acute subjective, emotional, autonomic, and endocrine effects of MDMA, methylphenidate, and modafinil in healthy subjects Psychopharmacology May 27, 2017
- The effects of MDMA on socio-emotional processing: Does MDMA differ from other stimulants? Journal of Psychopharmacology August 26, 2016
- Modulation of Social Cognition via Hallucinogens and “Entactogens” Frontiers in Psychiatry December 3, 2019
- Prediction of MDMA response in healthy humans: a pooled analysis of placebo-controlled studies Journal of Psychopharmacology March 30, 2021
and 12 more in the library
Cites 12
- Gender differences in the subjective effects of MDMA Psychopharmacology March 5, 2001
- MDMA enhances emotional empathy and prosocial behavior Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience October 4, 2013
- Duloxetine Inhibits Effects of MDMA (“Ecstasy") In Vitro and in Humans in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Laboratory Study PLoS One May 4, 2012
- Differential effects of MDMA and methylphenidate on social cognition Journal of Psychopharmacology July 22, 2014
- Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of methylphenidate and MDMA administered alone or in combination The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology October 8, 2013
and 7 more in the library