MDMA produces prosocial mood changes by enhancing serotonin transmission, which can stimulate oxytocin release. In a drug discrimination experiment with 24 male and female rats, an oxytocin analog partially mimicked MDMA's effects, while an oxytocin receptor blocker selectively reduced responses to MDMA but not to amphetamine. Imipramine had no effect. Oxytocin receptor activation appears to be a key cue distinguishing MDMA from amphetamine.
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) may help treat not only PTSD but also complex PTSD and borderline personality disorder. A systematic review of 24 studies involving 335 participants found that most reported reduced PTSD symptoms after MDMA-AP, with some noting decreased dissociative symptoms at higher doses. Although no studies directly assessed MDMA-AP for complex PTSD or borderline personality disorder, improvements in emotional regulation, interpersonal functioning, identity coherence, and abandonment concerns were reported. Adverse drug reactions were mild to moderate, though specific safety concerns remain. These findings offer preliminary insights for future research and clinical considerations.