Embracing Neurodiversity in Psychedelic Science: A Mixed-Methods Inquiry into the MDMA Experiences of Autistic Adults
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 15, 2019 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1587116 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 100 |
| Population | Autistic adults experienced with MDMA |
| Intervention | MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Citations | 14 |
| Key findings | MDMA-assisted therapy may be an effective catalyst for intra- and interpersonal change in autistic adults, with participants reporting lasting transformation and healing from trauma and social anxiety. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT This exploratory inquiry analyzed subjective experiences autistic adults reported after they took the drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy, in nonclinical settings. Using a secure, globally available website, this study collected data from participants in 13 countries who were experienced with MDMA (n = 100). A subset of survey respondents (n = 24) were then invited to participate in qualitative interviews. The researcher applied thematic content analysis of interview transcripts to create a comprehensive account of emergent themes. MDMA has well-documented acute effects that promote pro-social attitudes such as caring and trust in neurotypical, or typically developing, populations. Findings from this study suggested that MDMA-assisted therapy may be an effective catalyst in autistic adults for intra- and interpersonal change. In addition, participants reported accounts of lasting transformation and healing from conditions such as trauma and social anxiety that are common in autistic populations. No participants reported long-term adverse outcomes as a result of using MDMA/ecstasy. Qualitative findings support a case for future clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy with autistic adults who present with social adaptability challenges.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phenomenology and Sequelae of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Use Psychiatrists who had taken MDMA | 1992 | Qualitative study | n = 20 |
| MDMA and Sexual Behavior: Ecstasy Users' Perceptions About Sexuality and Sexual Risk Current and former users of MDMA | 2005 | Qualitative study | n = 98 |
| Perceived Benefits of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy beyond Symptom Reduction: Qualitative Follow-Up Study of a Clinical Trial for Individuals with Treatment-Resistant PTSD Veterans, firefighters, and police officers with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD | 2019 | Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis | n = 19 |
| Negative Experiences on Ecstasy: The Role of Drug, Set, and Setting Current or former users of Ecstasy | 2002 | Qualitative study | n = 98 |
| A Qualitative Exploration of Relational Ethical Challenges and Practices in Psychedelic Healing Practitioners who have administered MDMA and psilocybin to clients in underground... | 2021 | Qualitative study | n = 23 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- The Past and Future of Psychedelic Science: An Introduction to This Issue Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 15, 2019
- Autism, youth suicide, and psychedelics: A review of the 21st century evidence. Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA October 1, 2024
- Challenges in translational research: MDMA in the laboratory versus therapeutic settings. Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2022
- Emerging Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies: Implications for Nursing Practice Journal of Mental Health and Addiction Nursing February 19, 2020
- Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Social Adaptability in Autistic Adults Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2021
and 6 more in the library
Cites 14
- The safety and efficacy of {+/-}3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder: the first randomized controlled pilot study. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 19, 2010
- Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers: a randomised, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial. The Lancet Psychiatry May 1, 2018
- 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
- Reduction in social anxiety after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with autistic adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Psychopharmacology November 1, 2018
and 9 more in the library