MDMA

MDMA as a Probe and Treatment for Social Behaviors

This commentary (2016) reviews the history of MDMA and argues for the further exploration of MDMA's mechanism of action.

Authors

  • Heifets, B. D.
  • Malenka, R. C.

Published

Cell
meta Study

Abstract

MDMA, better known as the recreational drug “ecstasy,” is well known for stimulating a feeling of closeness and empathy in its users. We advocate that exploring its mechanism of action could lead to new treatments for psychiatric conditions characterized by impairments in social behavior.

Unlocked with Blossom Pro

Research Summary of 'MDMA as a Probe and Treatment for Social Behaviors'

Study Details

  • Study Type
    meta
  • Population
    humans
  • Characteristics
    commentary
  • Journal
    Cell
  • Compound
    MDMA

Cited By (13)

Papers in Blossom that reference this study

The empathogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, but not methamphetamine, increases feelings of global trust

de Wit, H., Lyubomirsky, S., Martinez, R. L. et al. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2025)

1 cited
Therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics and entactogens

Heifets, B. D., Olson, D. E. · Neuropsychopharmacology (2023)

Examining associations between MDMA/ecstasy and classic psychedelic use and impairments in social functioning in a U.S. adult sample

Jones, G. M., Lipson, J., Wang, E. · Scientific Reports (2023)

Psilocybin-assisted therapy mediates psycho-social-spiritual change in cancer patients as assessed by the NIH-HEALS

Agrawal, M., Ameli, R., Berger, A. et al. · Journal of Affective Disorders (2023)

MDMA and memory, addiction, and depression: dose-effect analysis

Anagnostaras, S. G., Kim, J. L., Pantoni, M. M. et al. · Psychopharmacology (2022)

Evaluating the Potential Use of Serotonergic Psychedelics in Autism Spectrum Disorder

De Gregorio, D., Gobbi, G., Inserra, A. et al. · Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022)

Does ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) induce subjective feelings of social connection in humans? A multilevel meta-analysis

de Wit, H., Lyubomirsky, S., Margolis, S. et al. · PLOS ONE (2021)

MDMA-Assisted Therapy as a Means to Alter Affective, Cognitive, Behavioral, and Neurological Systems Underlying Social Dysfunction in Social Anxiety Disorder

Lear, M. K., Luoma, J. B. · Frontiers in Psychiatry (2021)

Modulation of Social Cognition via Hallucinogens and “Entactogens”.

Preller, K. H., Vollenweider, F. X. · Frontiers in Psychiatry (2019)

Sensitization to the prosocial effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)

Belkoff, A. R., Berro, L. F., Curry, D. W. et al. · Neuropharmacology (2019)

Show all 13 papers
Greater empathy in MDMA users

Carlyle, M., Fawaz, L., Kosmider, S. et al. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2019)

Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

Andrews, A. M., Dunlap, L. E. · ACS Chemical Neuroscience (2018)

Serotonin and brain function: a tale of two receptors

Carhart-Harris, R. L., Nutt, D. J. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2017)

Your Library