An extended nondrug MDMA-like experience evoked through posthypnotic suggestion.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs September 1, 2006 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2006.10399853 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Participants with prior MDMA experience |
| Intervention | posthypnotic instructions to re-experience an MDMA-like state |
| Duration | One hour |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Posthypnotic suggestion can produce a subjective MDMA-like state lasting one hour, with similarity ratings ranging from 36% to 100%. |
Abstract
This research explored whether hypnotic suggestion could produce a subjective mindbody condition similar to that produced by the psychoactive drug methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy). Twelve participants received posthypnotic instructions to re-experience an MDMA-like state posthypnotically, similar to one in their prior experience, for one hour. Three separate self report measures and qualitative self reports showed that the posthypnotic condition effectively mimicked an MDMA-like experience, lasting an hour at a stable level. Participant ratings in real time and in retrospect ranged from 36% to 100% similarity to a drug-induced experience. The qualitative reports and rating scales enabled a phenomenological description of the subjective experience. Scores on the Tellegen Absorption Scale correlated significantly with the strength of the posthypnotic condition (Spearman rho .87, p = .0003). The participants successfully carried out various intentional activities during this time (e.g., self reflection, talking with partners about relationships, artwork, walking in nature). Applications for this technique as an adjunct to therapy and health treatments are discussed.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphetamine-type central nervous system stimulants release norepinephrine more potently than they release dopamine and serotonin | 2000 | Experimental study | |
| Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) cause selective ablation of serotonergic axon terminals in forebrain: immunocytochemical evidence for neurotoxicity Rat brain | 1988 | Experimental study | |
| The molecular mechanism of "ecstasy" [3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA)]: serotonin transporters are targets for MDMA-induced serotonin release. Human platelet plasma membrane vesicles and bovine adrenal chromaffin granule membrane... | 1992 | Laboratory study | |
| Oxytocin-dependent reopening of a social reward learning critical period with MDMA | 2019 | Experimental study | |
| Effects of certain hallucinogenic amphetamine analogs on the release of [3H]-serotonin from rat brain synaptosomes Rat whole brain synaptosomes | 1982 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- Developing Guidelines and Competencies for the Training of Psychedelic Therapists Journal of Humanistic Psychology June 29, 2017
- Absorption and spiritual experience: A review of evidence and potential mechanisms. Consciousness and Cognition August 1, 2019
- Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings: Phenomenology, Altered States, Individual Differences, and Well-Being Frontiers in Psychology August 19, 2021
- Psychoactive Substances and Paranormal Phenomena: A Comprehensive Review International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 2012
- Apophenia, absorption and anxiety: Evidence for individual differences in positive and negative experiences of Hallucinogen Persisting Perceptual Disorder Journal of Psychedelic Studies August 8, 2022
and 6 more in the library
Cites 8
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- A Method of Conducting Therapeutic Sessions with MDMA Journal of Psychoactive Drugs December 1, 1998
- Phenomenology and Sequelae of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Use The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease June 1, 1992
- A Clinical Plan for MDMA (Ecstasy) in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Partnering with the FDA Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 1, 2002
- Psychedelic and Entactogenic Drugs in the Treatment of Depression Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 1994
and 3 more in the library