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

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.