MDMA and prosocial behavior
Randomised, double-blind, crossover study (n=18) with four single-dose sessions (MDMA 75 mg; oxytocin 32 IU; MDMA 75 mg + Visken 20 mg; placebo) to investigate oxytocin and 5-HT1A modulation of MDMA-induced prosocial behaviour.
Details
This within-subject, double-blind crossover study in 18 recreational MDMA users assesses prosocial behaviour across four test days separated by a minimum 7-day washout.
Primary outcomes are performance on empathy and social interaction computer tasks and treatment and oxytocin concentrations in blood; secondary measures include a control word-learning task. Each test day includes treatment administration and blood sampling.
Hypotheses: oxytocin will mimic MDMA’s prosocial effects and 5-HT1A blockade will attenuate MDMA-induced prosocial effects; genotype (SERT) may moderate responses.