Challenges in translational research: MDMA in the laboratory versus therapeutic settings.

The psychological processes by which mind-altering drugs improve mood or behavior remain poorly understood. Controlled laboratory studies using well-defined psychological constructs can help reveal how these drugs produce therapeutic benefits, but substantial methodological differences exist between clinical studies of therapeutic outcomes and laboratory studies of underlying mechanisms. Using MDMA as an example, this review examines differences in expectancies, social and physical context, participant characteristics, pharmacological factors, and outcome measures between studies with and without psychiatric participants. It describes challenges and opportunities in translating laboratory findings to clinical settings and identifies ways to bridge the gap between these research approaches.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Despite substantial progress in the use of mind-altering drugs to treat psychiatric disorders, the psychological processes through which these drugs change mood or behavior are poorly understood. Controlled laboratory studies with well-defined psychological constructs are valuable to understand how these drugs manifest their therapeutic benefit. However, there are substantial methodological differences between clinical studies investigating therapeutic outcome and laboratory studies investigating the processes that might underlie the therapeutic effects. Here, we examine some of these differences using the example of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). We review differences in expectancies, social and physical context, participant characteristics, pharmacological factors, and outcome measures in studies with participants who do or do not have psychiatric diagnoses. We describe the challenges and opportunities in translating findings from laboratory studies to the clinic and identify ways to bridge the gap between these approaches.