Moderate use of ecstasy related to greater empathy, research on PTSD

MDMA or Ecstasy is a popular drug used in political party circuits to generate euphoria and become more sociable. Researchers from Exeter University and University College London are also studying this recreational misuse drug for its possible use in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder ( ESPT) and alcohol dependence.

This new study from the Exeter University's Center for Research on Psychopharmacology and Addiction (PARC) shows that mild MDMA can increase the consumer's feeling of empathy with respect to consumers. other drugs such as cocaine, cannabis or ketamine. The results of the study were published in the last issue of Journal of psychopharmacology.

MDMA (ecstasy). Image Credit: Couperfield / Shutterstock

Researchers at Exeter University explain that studies have shown that MDMA in PTSD is able to manage and recover painful memories. MDMA-badisted psychotherapy has also been studied with encouraging results in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Autistic people with social anxiety have also been shown to be badisted by MDMA, which increases their social adaptability. However, these are controlled, short-term studies that are not well understood with respect to the actual mechanism of MDMA support in these cases.

The researchers included 67 participants in their study, of whom 27 used MDMA, 19 drugs and 23 only alcohol. MDMA users participating in the study used MDMA only about once a month and were referred to as light users. Participants received a questionnaire and a computer task to badess their cognitive and emotional empathy and sympathy. The results showed that those who used MDMA had higher cognitive empathy, which meant that they had correctly identified the emotions of others compared to other drug addicts.

The authors of the study explain that in their study, MDMA users were light users and that this could be replicated in therapeutic contexts. They add that in their study, users were buying MDMA on the street, often contaminated with other impurities and substances. In a therapeutic context, they explain, pure MDMA and psychotherapy could be used for the treatment of various mental health problems.

Lead author of the study, Molly Carlyle, said, "It has been suggested that MDMA, combined with therapy, could be an effective treatment for psychological trauma and alcoholism, but it has already been suggested that MDMA may cause increased social distress. We recruited long-term but light users (at least 10 times) to reflect doses that could be used for medical purposes. "

The authors write that they do not claim that MDMA makes people more empathetic but suggest that this study may pave the way for research to understand the long-term effects of MDMA on the psyche and its possible use in patients. mental disorders.

Celia Morgan, lead author of the study, said in a statement: "We can not say if the MDMA is due to differences of empathy, or if there were already differences between the people who use MDMA and those who did not use it before starting taking the drug. Most importantly, this study suggests that MDMA can be safely used as a treatment with no side effects on these crucial social processes. "