The psychological and physiological effects of MDMA on normal volunteers
This early study (1986) of the effects of MDMA suggests that MDMA exerts predictable transient psychological effects and shows no major toxicity. However, the author cautiously concludes that the evidence is insufficient to make definitive judgments.
Authors
- Downing, J.
Published
Abstract
Administered 2-methylamino-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-propane (MDMA) to 21 Ss to provide baseline data on cardiovascular, biochemical, and neurobehavioral effects of the drug. Only 14 Ss completed the MDMA experience report. Doses ranged from 0.8 to 1.9 mg per pound of body weight, the mean dose being 1.14 mg per pound. Data are provided on Ss' demographic characteristics, previous MDMA experiences, other drug use, general health, negative and positive MDMA effects, preferred frequency of use and recommended legal status for MDMA, and cardiovascular, biochemical, and neurobehavioral responses to MDMA. MDMA has consistent and predictable psychological effects that are transient and free of clinically apparent major toxicity; however, there is insufficient evidence to accurately judge either the drug's potential harm or benefit.
Research Summary of 'The psychological and physiological effects of MDMA on normal volunteers'
Introduction
The paper situates MDMA within the family of methylenedioxy-substituted phenylisopropylamines, noting its distinction from classic mescaline-like hallucinogens by producing sensory amplification and affective openness rather than pronounced perceptual distortion. Earlier preclinical toxicology and reviews are described as indicating a relatively large safety margin for therapeutic oral doses compared with animal LD50s, and prior human reports—most notably by Shulgin—have characterised MDMA as producing an ‘‘affective interaction’’ useful in psychotherapy at doses commonly cited as 75–150 mg. This study sets out to characterise the psychological and physiological effects of MDMA in normal volunteers. The investigators aimed to document neurobehavioural changes, autonomic and motor effects, and standard blood chemistry measures across the acute and subacute time course after ingestion, in order to inform safety and practical recommendations for clinical or research use.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Compound
- Topic
- APA Citation
Downing, J. (1986). The psychological and physiological effects of MDMA on normal volunteers. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 18(4), 335-340. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1986.10472366
Cited By (4)
Papers in Blossom that reference this study
Ramaekers, J. G., Kuypers, K. P. C., Vollenweider, F. X. · Molecular Psychiatry (2026)
Bershad, A. K., Miller, M. A., Baggot, M. J. et al. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2016)
Danforth, A. L., Struble, C., Yazar-Klosinski, B. et al. · Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry (2016)
Vollenweider, F. X., Gamma, A., Liechti, M. et al. · Neuropsychopharmacology (1998)
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