Journal of Psychopharmacology
August 26, 2016
Anya K. Bershad, Melissa A. Miller, Matthew J. Baggott et al.
104 citations
MDMA, a recreational drug, enhances sociability and feelings of closeness more than other stimulants like dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate. This review compares human laboratory studies on the social effects of MDMA versus other stimulants, from simple ratings of sociability to complex social behaviors, and examines the neurochemical mechanisms involved. The findings suggest that MDMA's distinct prosocial effects may underlie its recreational use and potential as a psychotherapy aid, distinguishing it from typical stimulants.
Social Neuroscience
January 20, 2016
Anya K. Bershad, Jessica Weafer, Matthew G. Kirkpatrick et al.
35 citations
MDMA (ecstasy) increases sociability and empathy, likely through the release of oxytocin. A single-letter variation in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR rs53576) influences how people respond to the drug. In a double-blind, within-subjects study, 68 healthy volunteers with past MDMA experience received placebo, 0.75 mg/kg, or 1.5 mg/kg of MDMA. At the higher dose, individuals with the A/A genotype did not show the increase in sociability seen in G allele carriers. No genotypic differences appeared at the lower dose or in cardiovascular or other subjective effects. The results suggest MDMA-induced sociability depends on oxytocin signaling and that genetic variation in the oxytocin receptor modulates the drug's social effects.
Psychopharmacology
July 1, 2017
Anya K. Bershad, Melissa A. Miller, Harriet de Wit
12 citations
MDMA (ecstasy) did not reduce stress responses during a public speaking task in healthy adults. In a randomized trial, 39 volunteers received placebo, 0.5 mg/kg, or 1.0 mg/kg MDMA before a stress and a no-stress session. The stress task increased heart rate, cortisol, and subjective stress in all groups. MDMA alone raised heart rate, cortisol, and subjective stress ratings, but it did not moderate reactions to the Trier Social Stress Test. The findings indicate that MDMA's therapeutic effects in PTSD may not extend to acute psychosocial stress.