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Effects of ±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Administration on Social Emotional Processing in Humans

Gillinder Bedi

The Open Addiction Journal March 29, 2011 DOI: 10.2174/1874941001104010008 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Interventions MDMA Methamphetamine
Dose MDMA 0.75 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg; methamphetamine 20 mg
Topics MDMA
Citations 1
Key findings MDMA (0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg) increased feelings of sociability and affected identification of emotional expressions, but methamphetamine (20 mg) also produced similar effects, suggesting these social effects may not be specific to MDMA.

Abstract

Ecstasy users report that the drug produces feelings of increased empathy and sociability [1]. Such ‘empathogenic’ effects are thought to motivate recreational use of ecstasy [2]. In addition, the rationale for the proposed use of MDMA as an adjunct to psychotherapy centers on these effects [3]. Controlled studies confirm that MDMA administration produces prosocial feelings in humans [e.g. 4], and the drug alters rodent behavior in a way that is consistent with increased sociability [5]. However, there is as yet no evidence that controlled MDMA administration increases behaviors relevant to sociability and empathy in humans. In the present study, we examined the effects of MDMA (0.75mg/kg; 1.5mg/kg) on the identification of others’ emotional expressions, and on feelings associated with the ‘empathogenic’ profile. We also employed an active control drug, the psychostimulant methamphetamine (20mg), to assess whether these social effects are specific to MDMA, or generalize to other stimulants.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on MDMA, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Patients with severe PTSD, including those with comorbidities such as dissociation,... 2021 Randomized controlled trial n = 90
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. Patients with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder refractory to both psychotherapy... 2010 Randomized controlled trial n = 20
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. Military veterans and first responders aged 18 or older with chronic PTSD lasting 6... 2018 Randomized, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial n = 26
A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Patients with treatment-resistant PTSD 2012 Randomized controlled trial n = 12
MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Adults with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder 2023 Randomized controlled trial n = 104

Citations in the library

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