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Kangaslampi S, Zijlmans J. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in adolescents: rationale, potential, risks, and considerations. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023:10.1007/s00787-023-02310-9. [PMID: 37814082 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02310-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine(MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) is a proposed treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may be approved for adults soon. PTSD is also common among trauma-exposed adolescents, and current treatments leave much room for improvement. We present a rationale for considering MDMA-AP for treating PTSD among adolescents. Evidence suggests that as an adjunct to therapy, MDMA may reduce avoidance and enable trauma processing, strengthen therapeutic alliance, enhance extinction learning and trauma-related reappraisal, and hold potential beyond PTSD symptoms. Drawing on existing trauma-focused treatments, we suggest possible adaptations to MDMA-AP for use with adolescents, focusing on (1) reinforcing motivation, (2) the development of a strong therapeutic alliance, (3) additional emotion and behavior management techniques, (4) more directive exposure-based methods during MDMA sessions, (5) more support for concomitant challenges and integrating treatment benefits, and (6) involving family in treatment. We then discuss potential risks particular to adolescents, including physical and psychological side effects, toxicity, misuse potential, and ethical issues. We argue that MDMA-AP holds potential for adolescents suffering from PTSD. Instead of off-label use or extrapolating from adult studies, clinical trials should be carried out to determine whether MDMA-AP is safe and effective for PTSD among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuli Kangaslampi
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Psychology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Josjan Zijlmans
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Lyubomirsky S. Toward a New Science of Psychedelic Social Psychology: The Effects of MDMA (Ecstasy) on Social Connection. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2022; 17:1234-1257. [PMID: 35536567 DOI: 10.1177/17456916211055369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelic science has generated hundreds of compelling published studies yet with relatively little impact on mainstream psychology. I propose that social psychologists have much to gain by incorporating psychoactive substances into their research programs. Here I use (±)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as an example because of its documented ability in experiments and clinical trials to promote bonding, love, and warmth. Social connection is a fundamental human need, yet researchers still possess few tools to effectively and durably boost it. MDMA allows investigators to isolate the psychological mechanisms-as well as brain pathways-underlying felt social connection and thus reveal what should be targeted in future (nondrug) studies. Accordingly, I introduce a conceptual model that presents the proximal psychological mechanisms stimulated by MDMA (lowered fear, increased sociability, more chemistry), as well as its potential long-term impacts (improved relationships, reduced loneliness, stronger therapeutic alliances). Finally, I discuss further questions (e.g., whether using MDMA for enhancing connection can backfire) and promising research areas for building a new science of psychedelic social psychology. In sum, psychopharmacological methods can be a useful approach to illuminate commonly studied social-psychological processes, such as connectedness, prejudice, or self, as well as inform interventions to directly improve people's lives.
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3
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Wagner AC. Couple Therapy With MDMA-Proposed Pathways of Action. Front Psychol 2021; 12:733456. [PMID: 34858270 PMCID: PMC8631777 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.733456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
MDMA's first identified potential as a therapeutic catalyst was for couple therapy. Early work in the 1970s and 1980s explored its potential amongst seasoned psychotherapists and their clients. With the completion of the first pilot trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with couples for PTSD, and as the possibility of conducting MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trials expands due to new regulatory frameworks, we have an opportunity to explore and investigate how and why MDMA-assisted couples therapy works. This theoretical paper will explore the neurobiological and neurochemical effects of MDMA in a relational context, the emotional, behavioral, cognitive and somatic effects within a dyadic frame, and how empathy, communication, perception of social connection/support, non-avoidance, openness, attachment/safety, bonding/social intimacy and relationship satisfaction, are all impacted by MDMA, and can be harnessed to facilitate systems-level and interpersonal healing and growth. A model to support MDMA-assisted couple therapy is introduced, and future directions, including implications for intervention development and delivery, will be elucidated.
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Reiff CM, Richman EE, Nemeroff CB, Carpenter LL, Widge AS, Rodriguez CI, Kalin NH, McDonald WM. Psychedelics and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy. FOCUS: JOURNAL OF LIFE LONG LEARNING IN PSYCHIATRY 2021; 19:95-115. [PMID: 34483775 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.19104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
(Reprinted with permission from The American Journal of Psychiatry 2020; 177:391-410).
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin M Reiff
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Elon E Richman
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Alik S Widge
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Carolyn I Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Ned H Kalin
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - William M McDonald
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
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5
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Borissova A, Ferguson B, Wall MB, Morgan CJA, Carhart-Harris RL, Bolstridge M, Bloomfield MAP, Williams TM, Feilding A, Murphy K, Tyacke RJ, Erritzoe D, Stewart L, Wolff K, Nutt D, Curran HV, Lawn W. Acute effects of MDMA on trust, cooperative behaviour and empathy: A double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:547-555. [PMID: 32538252 PMCID: PMC8155732 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120926673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is being actively researched as an adjunct to psychotherapy. It may be beneficial to trust, empathy and cooperative behaviour due to its acute prosocial effects. AIM To test (a) the acute effects of MDMA on measures of empathy, trust and cooperative behaviour, and (b) subacute changes in mood three days after MDMA administration. METHODS Twenty-five participants (n=7 female), participated in this double-blind, repeated-measures, placebo-controlled experiment. Participants attended two acute sessions, one week apart. Each acute session was followed by a subacute session three days later. Participants received placebo (100 mg ascorbic acid) during one acute session, and MDMA (100 mg MDMA-HCl) at the other, with order counterbalanced. Participants completed the following tasks assessing prosocial behaviour: a trust investment task, a trustworthy face rating task, an empathic stories task, a public project game, a dictator game and an ultimatum game. Participants reported subjective effects. Blood was taken pre-drug, 2 and 4 hours post-drug, and tested for plasma MDMA levels. RESULTS MDMA acutely increased self-reported 'closeness to others' and 'euphoria' and increased plasma concentrations of MDMA. MDMA did not significantly change task-based empathy, trust or cooperative behaviour. Using Bayesian analyses, we found evidence that MDMA and placebo did not differ in their effects on empathy and cooperative behaviour. MDMA did not significantly change subacute mood and this was supported by our Bayesian analyses. CONCLUSION Despite augmentation in plasma MDMA levels and subjective drug effects, we found no increase in prosocial behaviour in a laboratory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Borissova
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit,
UCL, London, UK,NIHR University College London
Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College Hospital, London,
UK,Anna Borissova, UCL Clinical
Psychopharmacology Unit, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6HB, UK
| | - Bart Ferguson
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center,
University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew B Wall
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit,
UCL, London, UK,Invicro London, London, UK,Neuropsychopharmacology Unit,
Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Celia JA Morgan
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction
Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Robin L Carhart-Harris
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit,
Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK,Centre for Psychedelic Research,
Department of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark Bolstridge
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit,
Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michael AP Bloomfield
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit,
UCL, London, UK,NIHR University College London
Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College Hospital, London,
UK,Translational Psychiatry Research
Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of
Psychiatry University College London, London, UK,The Traumatic Stress Clinic, St
Pancras Hospital, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London,
UK,National Hospital for Neurology
and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Tim M Williams
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit,
Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kevin Murphy
- Cardiff University Brain
Research Imaging Centre, Cardiff, UK
| | - Robin J Tyacke
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit,
Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Erritzoe
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit,
Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK,Centre for Psychedelic Research,
Department of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kim Wolff
- School of Biomedical Sciences,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - David Nutt
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit,
Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Will Lawn
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit,
UCL, London, UK
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6
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Basedow LA, Kuitunen-Paul S, Wiedmann MF, Roessner V, Golub Y. Self-reported PTSD is associated with increased use of MDMA in adolescents with substance use disorders. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1968140. [PMID: 34603636 PMCID: PMC8480619 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1968140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent patients with a substance use disorder (SUD) often fulfil the criteria for a co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is not clear if these dual-diagnosed adolescents present with unique levels of substance use and how their substance use relates to PTSD symptom clusters. OBJECTIVE To investigate substance use in adolescents with co-occurring PTSD and SUD. Additionally, we explored how the use of specific substances is related to specific PTSD symptom clusters. METHOD We recruited n = 121 German adolescent SUD patients, in three groups: no history of traumatic events (TEs) (n = 35), TEs but not PTSD (n = 48), probable PTSD (n = 38). All groups were administered a trauma questionnaire and were asked to report their past-month substance use. RESULTS Adolescents with probable PTSD and SUD report a higher frequency of MDMA use than adolescents with no PTSD and no TE (PTSD vs. noTE: U = 510.5, p = .016; PTSD vs. TE: U = 710.0, p = .010). The use of MDMA was more frequent in adolescents with avoidance symptoms (X2 (1) = 6.0, p = .014). Participants report using substances at a younger age (PTSD vs. noTE: U = 372.0, p = .001; PTSD vs. TE: U = 653.5, p = .022) and PTSD symptom onset was on average 2.2 years earlier than first MDMA use (t (26) = -2.89, p = .008). CONCLUSIONS Adolescent SUD patients with probable PTSD are more likely to use MDMA than SUD patients without PTSD. The use of MDMA was associated with reported avoidance symptoms. The first age of MDMA use is initiated after PTSD onset. It is unclear whether the association of MDMA use with avoidance symptoms is due to efforts to reduce these symptoms or a result of regular MDMA use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Andreas Basedow
- Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty Of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sören Kuitunen-Paul
- Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty Of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Melina Felicitas Wiedmann
- Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty Of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty Of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Yulia Golub
- Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty Of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Reiff CM, Richman EE, Nemeroff CB, Carpenter LL, Widge AS, Rodriguez CI, Kalin NH, McDonald WM. Psychedelics and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy. Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:391-410. [PMID: 32098487 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors provide an evidenced-based summary of the literature on the clinical application of psychedelic drugs in psychiatric disorders. METHODS Searches of PubMed and PsycINFO via Ovid were conducted for articles in English, in peer-reviewed journals, reporting on "psilocybin," "lysergic acid diethylamide," "LSD," "ayahuasca," "3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine," and "MDMA," in human subjects, published between 2007 and July 1, 2019. A total of 1,603 articles were identified and screened. Articles that did not contain the terms "clinical trial," "therapy," or "imaging" in the title or abstract were filtered out. The 161 remaining articles were reviewed by two or more authors. The authors identified 14 articles reporting on well-designed clinical trials investigating the efficacy of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), psilocybin, and ayahuasca for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders, and substance-related and addictive disorders as well as in end-of-life care. RESULTS The most significant database exists for MDMA and psilocybin, which have been designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "breakthrough therapies" for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression, respectively. The research on LSD and ayahuasca is observational, but available evidence suggests that these agents may have therapeutic effects in specific psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS Randomized clinical trials support the efficacy of MDMA in the treatment of PTSD and psilocybin in the treatment of depression and cancer-related anxiety. The research to support the use of LSD and ayahuasca in the treatment of psychiatric disorders is preliminary, although promising. Overall, the database is insufficient for FDA approval of any psychedelic compound for routine clinical use in psychiatric disorders at this time, but continued research on the efficacy of psychedelics for the treatment of psychiatric disorders is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin M Reiff
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Elon E Richman
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Alik S Widge
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Carolyn I Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - Ned H Kalin
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
| | - William M McDonald
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
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- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Reiff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (Richman, McDonald); Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School and the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Kalin)
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8
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Abstract
BACKGROUND 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is widely known for its positive acute effects on social behaviour, such as increasing empathy, whilst also attenuating the negative impact of social exclusion. However there is a scarcity of research that investigates the long-term impact of recreational MDMA use on these fundamental social processes. METHOD Sixty-seven individuals were split into three groups based on their drug-use history: poly-drug MDMA users ( n = 25), poly-drug users who do not use MDMA ( n = 19), alcohol-only users ( n = 23), and were tested in an independent groups design. Participants completed both a self-report measure of emotional and cognitive empathy, along with the Multifaceted Empathy Task - a computerised assessment of empathy - and the Cyberball Game - a social exclusion paradigm. RESULTS MDMA users had significantly greater subjective emotional empathy, and greater cognitive empathy on the computer task compared with the poly-drug users who do not use MDMA. There were no significant differences in subjective responses to social exclusion between the groups. Indices of MDMA use did not correlate with empathy. CONCLUSIONS Long-term MDMA users in this sample exhibited normal psychosocial functioning in regard to empathy and social pain and had higher subjective emotional empathy. This conflicts with previous suggestions that moderate, long-term MDMA use may cause heightened social distress, and is further evidence of the safety of the drug, which is relevant to considerations of its therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Carlyle
- 1 Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tobias Stevens
- 1 Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Leah Fawaz
- 1 Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Beth Marsh
- 1 Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.,2 Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sophia Kosmider
- 1 Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Celia Ja Morgan
- 1 Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND For a number of mental health disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), there are not many available treatment options. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the potential of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) to restore function for patients with these disorders. The primary hypothesis is that MDMA, via prosocial effects, increases the ability of patients to address the underlying psychopathology of the disorder. However, the use of MDMA poses potential problems of neurotoxicity, in addition to its own potential for misuse. METHODS In this article, the proposed potential of MDMA as an adjunct to psychotherapy for PTSD is evaluated. The rationale for the use of MDMA and the positive results of studies that have administered MDMA in the treatment of PTSD are provided (pros). A description of potential adverse effects of treatment is also presented (cons). An overview of MDMA pharmacology and pharmacokinetics and a description of potential adverse effects of treatments are also presented. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-produced oxytocin release and decreased expression of fear conditioning as well as one of the MDMA enantiomers (the n R- entaniomer) are suggested as potential mechanisms for the beneficial effects of MDMA in PTSD (suggestions). RESULTS There is some evidence that MDMA facilitates recovery of PTSD. However, the significant adverse effects of MDMA raise concern for its adoption as a pharmacotherapy. Alternative potential treatments with less adverse effects and that are based on the ubiquitous pharmacology of MDMA are presented. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that additional research investigating the basis for the putative beneficial effects of MDMA might reveal an effective treatment with fewer adverse effects. Suggestions of alternative treatments based on the behavioral pharmacology and toxicology of MDMA and its enantiomers are presented.
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Jungaberle H, Thal S, Zeuch A, Rougemont-Bücking A, von Heyden M, Aicher H, Scheidegger M. Positive psychology in the investigation of psychedelics and entactogens: A critical review. Neuropharmacology 2018; 142:179-199. [PMID: 29964094 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE We reviewed the concepts and empirical findings in studies with psychedelics and entactogens related to positive psychology - the study of healthy human functioning, well-being and eudaemonia. It is an unresolved question how beneficial effects of psychedelics and entactogens are related to the potential risks of these substances - particularly in non-clinical settings. METHODS We searched in PubMed, PsychINFO and the Cochrane Library for controlled clinical and epidemiological studies which applied concepts from positive psychology. We included N = 77 eligible studies with 9876 participants published before November 1st, 2017: (1) quantitative studies (N = 54), (2) preliminary or exploratory studies and reviews not including meta-analyses (N = 17), and (3) studies evidencing primarily negative results (N = 6). RESULTS Positive psychology concepts have been applied for measuring effects of clinical trials, recreational and ceremonial use of psychedelics and entactogens. Psychedelics and entactogens were shown to produce acute and long-term effects on mood, well-being, prosocial behaviours, empathy, cognitive flexibility, creativity, personality factors like openness, value orientations, nature-relatedness, spirituality, self-transcendence and mindfulness-related capabilities. CONCLUSIONS There is preliminary evidence for beneficial effects of psychedelics and entactogens on measures of positive psychology in clinical and healthy populations, however their sustainability remains largely unresolved. The reported results must be considered preliminary due to methodological restrictions. Since longitudinal data on both positive and adverse effects of psychedelics are lacking, more rigorous and standardized measures from positive psychology should be applied in less biased populations with prospective longitudinal designs to carefully assess the benefit-risk-ratio. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Psychedelics: New Doors, Altered Perceptions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Jungaberle
- MIND European Foundation for Psychedelic Science, betahaus, Prinzessinnenstr. 19/20, 10969 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sascha Thal
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Netherlands, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Andrea Zeuch
- MIND European Foundation for Psychedelic Science, betahaus, Prinzessinnenstr. 19/20, 10969 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ansgar Rougemont-Bücking
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, Department of Neurosciences and Movement Science, Laboratory for Psychiatric Neuroscience and Psychotherapy, University of Fribourg, Ch. du Musée 5, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Maximilian von Heyden
- FINDER Institute for Prevention Research, Germany, betahaus, Prinzessinnenstr. 19/20, 10969 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Helena Aicher
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (DPP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, Postfach 1931, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Milan Scheidegger
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (DPP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, Postfach 1931, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Hinterbuchinger B, Kaltenboeck A, Baumgartner JS, Mossaheb N, Friedrich F. Do patients with different psychiatric disorders show altered social decision-making? A systematic review of ultimatum game experiments in clinical populations. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2018; 23:117-141. [PMID: 29608131 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2018.1453791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairments in social functioning are a common feature of psychiatric disorders. Game paradigms pose a unique way for studying how people make decisions in interpersonal contexts. In the last decade, researchers have started to use these paradigms to study social decision-making in patients with psychiatric disorders. PURPOSE The aim of this systematic literature review is to summarise the currently available evidence on the behaviour of patients with psychiatric disorders in the commonly used Ultimatum Game (UG). METHOD A systematic literature search including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PSYNDEXplus Tests, PSYNDEXPLUS Literature, EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and PASCAL was performed via the Ovid interface. RESULTS We found evidence for alterations in UG behaviour for patients with frontotemporal dementia, schizophrenia, affective disorders, alcohol, cocaine, heroin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine consumption, alcohol dependence, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, autism, Tourette syndrome and oppositional defiant disorder. CONCLUSION There is some evidence that different psychiatric disorders might go along with alterations in social decision-making. However, in general, data are currently limited and studies are hard to compare due to differences in methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Hinterbuchinger
- a Clinical Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | | | - Josef Severin Baumgartner
- a Clinical Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Nilufar Mossaheb
- a Clinical Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Fabian Friedrich
- a Clinical Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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Abstract
Previous attempts to identify a unified theory of brain serotonin function have largely failed to achieve consensus. In this present synthesis, we integrate previous perspectives with new and older data to create a novel bipartite model centred on the view that serotonin neurotransmission enhances two distinct adaptive responses to adversity, mediated in large part by its two most prevalent and researched brain receptors: the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. We propose that passive coping (i.e. tolerating a source of stress) is mediated by postsynaptic 5-HT1AR signalling and characterised by stress moderation. Conversely, we argue that active coping (i.e. actively addressing a source of stress) is mediated by 5-HT2AR signalling and characterised by enhanced plasticity (defined as capacity for change). We propose that 5-HT1AR-mediated stress moderation may be the brain's default response to adversity but that an improved ability to change one's situation and/or relationship to it via 5-HT2AR-mediated plasticity may also be important - and increasingly so as the level of adversity reaches a critical point. We propose that the 5-HT1AR pathway is enhanced by conventional 5-HT reuptake blocking antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), whereas the 5-HT2AR pathway is enhanced by 5-HT2AR-agonist psychedelics. This bipartite model purports to explain how different drugs (SSRIs and psychedelics) that modulate the serotonergic system in different ways, can achieve complementary adaptive and potentially therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- RL Carhart-Harris
- Psychedelic Research Group, Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - DJ Nutt
- Psychedelic Research Group, Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Bershad AK, Miller MA, Baggott MJ, de Wit H. The effects of MDMA on socio-emotional processing: Does MDMA differ from other stimulants? J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:1248-1258. [PMID: 27562198 PMCID: PMC8753974 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116663120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular recreational drug that enhances sociability and feelings of closeness with others. These "prosocial" effects appear to motivate the recreational use of MDMA and may also form the basis of its potential as an adjunct to psychotherapy. However, the extent to which MDMA differs from prototypic stimulant drugs, such as dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate, in either its behavioral effects or mechanisms of action, is not fully known. The purpose of this review is to evaluate human laboratory findings of the social effects of MDMA compared to other stimulants, ranging from simple subjective ratings of sociability to more complex elements of social processing and behavior. We also review the neurochemical mechanisms by which these drugs may impact sociability. Together, the findings reviewed here lay the groundwork for better understanding the socially enhancing effects of MDMA that distinguish it from other stimulant drugs, especially as these effects relate to the reinforcing and potentially therapeutic effects of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya K Bershad
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience,Interdisciplinary Scientist Training Program; University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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How psychoactive drugs shape human culture: A multi-disciplinary perspective. Brain Res Bull 2016; 126:138-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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