Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
06:42

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses

Published on: September 28, 2018

11.6K

MDMA enhances positive affective responses to social feedback

Anya K Bershad1, David T Hsu2, Harriet de Wit3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|January 27, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The high dose of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) enhanced positive emotional responses to social feedback. This suggests MDMA may improve social connection, warranting further research in clinical populations.

Area of Science:

  • Psychopharmacology
  • Social Neuroscience

Background:

  • 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an amphetamine derivative explored as a psychotherapy adjunct for PTSD.
  • MDMA's potential therapeutic effects may stem from its ability to positively bias social perception.
  • Previous research has not investigated MDMA's impact on affective responses to social feedback.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of MDMA compared to placebo and methamphetamine (MA) on affective responses to social feedback.
  • To determine if MDMA influences reactions to positive and negative social cues.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (NCT03790618) was conducted.
  • Healthy adult volunteers (N=36) received two doses of MDMA (0.75 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg), placebo, or MA (20 mg).
  • Participants completed a personalized social feedback task, simulating a dating app interface.

Main Results:

  • The high dose of MDMA (1.5 mg/kg) significantly increased positive affective responses to social feedback.
  • No significant effects were observed for the lower MDMA dose or methamphetamine on affective responses to social feedback.

Conclusions:

  • MDMA may facilitate social connection by enhancing positive affective responses to social feedback.
  • Further research is required to explore MDMA's effects on generalized social feedback and in clinical populations, particularly those with PTSD.
Keywords:
MDMAsocial acceptancesocial feedbacksocial rejection

More Related Videos

A Fully Automated and Highly Versatile System for Testing Multi-cognitive Functions and Recording Neuronal Activities in Rodents09:13

A Fully Automated and Highly Versatile System for Testing Multi-cognitive Functions and Recording Neuronal Activities in Rodents

Published on: May 3, 2012

14.4K
Assessment of Social Cognition in Non-human Primates Using a Network of Computerized Automated Learning Device ALDM Test Systems08:42

Assessment of Social Cognition in Non-human Primates Using a Network of Computerized Automated Learning Device ALDM Test Systems

Published on: May 5, 2015

12.1K

Related Concept Videos

Facial Feedback Hypothesis01:24

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

Charles Darwin proposed that facial expressions are an evolutionary adaptation for communication. He argued that these expressions are not influenced by culture but are universal across species. For example, a snarling expression with exposed teeth signals a threat in many animals, including humans. Darwin also suggested that displaying an emotion can intensify the feeling. Smiling, for example, could enhance one's sense of happiness. This idea laid the foundation for understanding the role...
153
Social Facilitation01:04

Social Facilitation

Not all intergroup interactions lead to negative outcomes. Sometimes, being in a group situation can improve performance. Social facilitation occurs when an individual performs better when an audience is watching than when the individual performs the behavior alone. This typically occurs when people are performing a task for which they are skilled.
32.0K
Empathy02:34

Empathy

Some researchers suggest that altruism operates on empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand another person’s perspective, to feel what he or she feels. An empathetic person makes an emotional connection with others and feels compelled to help (Batson, 1991). Empathy can be expressed in several ways, including cognitive, affective, and motor. 
9.6K
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
79
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification03:00

Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification

Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
5.2K
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
55