Clinical TrialAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)PlaceboMDMAMDMAPlaceboCompleted

Effects of Drugs on Responses to Brain and Emotional Processes

Randomized, triple-blind, crossover study (n=22) testing single oral MDMA 1.5 mg/kg versus placebo on affective touch responses across a range of autistic traits.

Target Enrollment
22 participants
Study Type
Phase I interventional
Design
Randomized, triple Blind

Detailed Description

Randomized, triple-blind, crossover design with two laboratory sessions 72 hours apart comparing single oral MDMA 1.5 mg/kg to placebo in adults aged 21–40.

Primary aim is basic science: to assess effects of MDMA on responses to affective touch across individuals with varying autistic traits; outcomes include behavioural and neural/emotional process measures.

Study Protocol

Preparation

sessions

Dosing

2 sessions

Integration

sessions

Study Arms & Interventions

Placebo → MDMA

experimental

Participants receive placebo in first session and MDMA (1.5 mg/kg) 72 hours later (crossover).

Interventions

  • Placebo
    via Oralsingle dose

    Placebo capsule containing lactose.

  • MDMA1.5 mg/kg
    via Oralsingle dose1 doses total

    Single oral MDMA 1.5 mg/kg.

MDMA → Placebo

experimental

Participants receive MDMA (1.5 mg/kg) in first session and placebo 72 hours later (crossover).

Interventions

  • MDMA1.5 mg/kg
    via Oralsingle dose1 doses total

    Single oral MDMA 1.5 mg/kg.

  • Placebo
    via Oralsingle dose

    Placebo capsule containing lactose.

Participants

Ages
2140
Sexes
Male & Female

Inclusion Criteria

  • Inclusion Criteria:
  • BMI between 19 and 30 (no one under 130 lbs)
  • Smokers smoking less than 25 cigarettes per week
  • Have used ecstasy no more than 40 times with no adverse responses.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • High blood pressure
  • Any medical condition requiring regular medication
  • Individuals with a current (within the last year) DSM-IV Axis 1 diagnosis
  • Individuals with a history of dependence on stimulant drugs.
  • Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Study Details

Locations

University of ChicagoChicago, Illinois, United States

Your Library