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The effect of MDMA on sensitivity to reinforcement rate
Celia Lie1, Anne C Macaskill2, David N Harper2
1Department of Psychology.
Abstract:
Administration of (±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) causes memory errors by increasing proactive interference. This might occur because MDMA alters sensitivity to reinforcement. The current 2 experiments investigated this directly by assessing the acute (Experiment 1) and chronic (Experiment 2) effects of MDMA on sensitivity to reinforcement. We presented 5 pairs of concurrent variable interval schedules within each session and calculated sensitivity to reinforcement for 3 acute doses of MDMA. In contrast to the related drug, d-amphetamine, and in spite of producing reductions in response rate, MDMA did not reduce sensitivity to reinforcement rate. Chronic administration of a fixed dose of MDMA following each session reduced response rate but did not affect sensitivity to reinforcement rate. In combination with previous research, these results indicate that related drugs may have different effects on sensitivity to reinforcement and that these effects should be considered when interpreting disruptions to operant task performance caused by drug administration. (PsycINFO Database Record
Insights
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) does not alter sensitivity to reinforcement, despite causing memory errors. This study found MDMA did not change reinforcement sensitivity in acute or chronic tests, unlike related drugs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is known to cause memory errors, potentially by altering sensitivity to reinforcement.
- Understanding how drugs affect sensitivity to reinforcement is crucial for interpreting behavioral changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute and chronic effects of MDMA on sensitivity to reinforcement.
- To determine if MDMA's impact on memory errors is mediated by changes in reinforcement sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted to assess MDMA's effects.
- Experiment 1 examined acute MDMA doses on sensitivity to reinforcement using concurrent variable interval schedules.
- Experiment 2 assessed the effects of chronic MDMA administration on response rate and reinforcement sensitivity.
Main Results:
- MDMA administration, in both acute and chronic conditions, reduced response rate.
- Contrary to expectations, MDMA did not significantly alter sensitivity to reinforcement rate.
- These findings contrast with the effects of related drugs like d-amphetamine.
Conclusions:
- MDMA's memory-disrupting effects may not be directly linked to altered sensitivity to reinforcement.
- Different drugs, even those with similar structures, can have distinct effects on reinforcement sensitivity.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering drug-specific effects on operant behavior.
