Differential effects of MDMA and methylphenidate on social cognition
Yasmin Schmid1, Cédric M Hysek1, Linda D Simmler1
1Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Social cognition is important in everyday-life social interactions. The social cognitive effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') and methylphenidate (both used for neuroenhancement and as party drugs) are largely unknown. We investigated the acute effects of MDMA (75 mg), methylphenidate (40 mg) and placebo using the Facial Emotion Recognition Task, Multifaceted Empathy Test, Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition, Social Value Orientation Test and the Moral Judgment Task in a cross-over study in 30 healthy subjects. Additionally, subjective, autonomic, pharmacokinetic, endocrine and adverse drug effects were measured. MDMA enhanced emotional empathy for positive emotionally charged situations in the MET and tended to reduce the recognition of sad faces in the Facial Emotion Recognition Task. MDMA had no effects on cognitive empathy in the Multifaceted Empathy Test or social cognitive inferences in the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition. MDMA produced subjective 'empathogenic' effects, such as drug liking, closeness to others, openness and trust. In contrast, methylphenidate lacked such subjective effects and did not alter emotional processing, empathy or mental perspective-taking. MDMA but not methylphenidate increased the plasma levels of oxytocin and prolactin. None of the drugs influenced moral judgment. Effects on emotion recognition and emotional empathy were evident at a low dose of MDMA and likely contribute to the popularity of the drug.
Insights
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) enhanced emotional empathy and subjective feelings of closeness, but did not affect cognitive empathy or moral judgment. Methylphenidate showed no significant social cognitive effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Social cognition is crucial for daily interactions.
- The social cognitive impacts of MDMA and methylphenidate are not well understood.
- Both substances are used recreationally and for neuroenhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of MDMA and methylphenidate on social cognition in healthy adults.
- To compare the effects of MDMA and methylphenidate on emotional processing, empathy, and social decision-making.
- To examine the subjective and physiological responses to these drugs.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study involving 30 healthy subjects.
- Administration of MDMA (75 mg), methylphenidate (40 mg), or placebo.
- Assessment using tasks measuring emotion recognition, empathy, social cognition, social value orientation, and moral judgment.
Main Results:
- MDMA significantly enhanced emotional empathy for positive stimuli and subjective feelings of openness and trust.
- MDMA tended to decrease the recognition of sad facial expressions.
- Methylphenidate did not produce significant changes in social cognitive measures or subjective effects.
- MDMA increased plasma oxytocin and prolactin levels, while methylphenidate did not.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose MDMA can enhance emotional empathy and prosocial subjective experiences, potentially explaining its recreational popularity.
- Methylphenidate does not appear to significantly alter social cognition or empathy.
- Neither drug affected moral judgment in this study.
More Related Videos
06:42Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
13:20Online Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Dorsomedial and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Cognition Decision Making, and Cognitive Dissonance
Published on: December 5, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:22CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
01:27Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:28An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids