10 papers analyzed
Some studies suggest MDMA increases emotional empathy and sociability, while other studies indicate it does not significantly change empathy or trust in controlled settings.
11 papers analyzed
MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly known as "ecstasy," is a psychoactive drug that has been reported to enhance feelings of empathy and prosocial behavior. This has led to its recreational use and consideration for therapeutic applications, particularly in psychotherapy. This synthesis aims to analyze the existing research to determine whether MDMA increases empathy.
Emotional Empathy Enhancement:
Prosocial Behavior:
Impairment in Recognizing Negative Emotions:
Oxytocin's Role:
Subjective Feelings of Empathy:
No Significant Change in Cognitive Empathy:
MDMA reliably increases emotional empathy and prosocial behavior, particularly towards positive emotions, while impairing the recognition of negative emotions. These effects are consistent across various studies and doses, and are not significantly influenced by individual differences such as sex or drug use history. The increase in empathy and prosocial behavior is likely mediated by MDMA's impact on serotonergic and noradrenergic systems, with a secondary role for oxytocin. These findings support the potential therapeutic use of MDMA in enhancing social interactions and empathy in clinical settings.
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