MDMA and prosocial behavior

This interventional trial (n=18; status unknown) aims to explore the impact of oxytocin and the 5-HT1A receptor on MDMA-induced prosocial behaviour.

Led by Dr. Kim Kuypers at Maastricht University, the study is supported by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

Over four treatment sessions, participants will receive different combinations of treatments including MDMA, oxytocin, and placebo, with a minimum 7-day washout period between sessions. The study will assess social behaviour, mood, and treatment concentrations in the blood.

Researchers hypothesize that oxytocin mimics MDMA’s prosocial effects and that the 5-HT1A receptor mediates these effects. Eligible participants, aged 18-40 with MDMA experience, will undergo medical screening and training on computer tasks.

The total study duration is approximately 18.5 hours spread over at least 5 weeks. Recruitment is pending, with an anticipated start date of February 2011 and an enrollment target of 18 participants.

Topic Healthy Subjects
Compound Placebo MDMA
Country Netherlands
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Trial Details



Trial Number

Sponsors & Collaborators

Maastricht University
Maastricht University is host to the psychopharmacology department (Psychopharmacology in Maastricht) where various researchers are investigating the effects of psychedelics.

Data attribution

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