Ecstasy’s empathogenic properties revealed to be a sham

Researchers exploring the use of MDMA (ecstasy) in psychotherapy say that the drug distorts one’s perception of others rather than producing true empathy. Until now, the drug’s widely reported empathogenic effects have been difficult to measure objectively and there has been limited research in humans. Now, however, University of Chicago researchers are reporting their findings in the current issue ofBiological Psychiatry.

“We found that MDMA produced friendliness, playfulness and loving feelings, even when it was administered to people in a laboratory with little social contact. We also found that MDMA reduced volunteers’ capacity to recognize facial expressions of fear in other people, an effect that may be involved in the increased sociability said to be produced by MDMA,” said study author Dr. Gillinder Bedi.

According to Bedi, these data suggest that MDMA produces effects that make others seem more attractive and friendly, which may serve as a significant motivator in its use as a recreational drug. Importantly, the study notes, it also makes others appear less threatening, which could increase users’ social risk-taking.

Bedi concludes that MDMA might be useful to enhance the psychotherapy of people who struggle to feel connected to others, as may occur in association with autism, schizophrenia, or antisocial personality disorder.

But Dr. John Krystal, editor of Biological Psychiatry, is unconvinced. “MDMA distorts one’s perception of others rather than producing true empathy. Thus, MDMA may cause problems if it leads people to misinterpret the emotional state and perhaps intentions of others,” he warns.

Krystal suggests that further research in controlled settings is necessary before MDMA could be considered for use as a psychotherapy treatment. He adds that the findings underscore the need to understand more about the ways in which different drugs affect social experiences, given that abused drugs are so commonly used in social settings.

Related:
Significant success using Ecstasy to treat PTSD
Quantifying A Mystical Experience: Hallucinogenic Research Gets To Grips With Spirituality
Disco Rats Last Longer On Ecstasy

Source: Biological Psychiatry

, ,

Comments are closed.

Complete Adult Psychotherapy Paperback picture

Complete Adult Psychotherapy Paperback

$27.59



Theory and Practice OF Counseling and Psychotherapy Paperback picture

Theory and Practice OF Counseling and Psychotherapy Paperback

$24.16



Complete Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner Paperback picture

Complete Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner Paperback

$46.39



1970s Bioenergetic Psychotherapy Group Session 35mm Slides VTG Alexander Lowen picture

1970s Bioenergetic Psychotherapy Group Session 35mm Slides VTG Alexander Lowen

$1049.99



Complete Adult Psychotherapy  Treatment Planner picture

Complete Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner

$20.00



Psychotherapy for the Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Paperback picture

Psychotherapy for the Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Paperback

$41.86



Author of

Author of "Psychotherapy East and West" ALAN W. WATTS 1961 Press Photo

$60.00



Adult Psychotherapy Progress Paperback picture

Adult Psychotherapy Progress Paperback

$28.88



Adult Psychotherapy Progress Paperback picture

Adult Psychotherapy Progress Paperback

$28.63



The Adult Psychotherapy Paperback picture

The Adult Psychotherapy Paperback

$34.17



Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes