This EEG study (n=25) investigated the effects of MDMA (100mg) and methamphetamine (MA) on early visual processing of socio-emotional stimuli. MDMA enhanced the N170 component, sensitive to detecting faces, particularly for happy and angry expressions compared to neutral faces, while MA did not show similar effects. These findings suggest potential neural mechanisms for MDMA’s effects on socio-emotional processing, which could inform its therapeutic use in treating social anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.
Abstract of The 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine enhances early visual processing for salient socio-emotional stimuli
“The 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has long been used non-medically, and it is currently under investigation for its potential therapeutic benefits. Both uses may be related to its ability to enhance empathy, sociability, emotional processing and its anxiolytic effects. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these effects, and their specificity to MDMA compared to other stimulants, are not yet fully understood. Here, using electroencephalography (EEG), we investigated the effects of MDMA and a prototypic stimulant, methamphetamine (MA), on early visual processing of socio-emotional stimuli in an oddball emotional faces paradigm. Specifically, we examined whether MDMA or MA enhance the processing of facial expressions, compared to placebo, during the early stages of visual perception. MDMA enhanced an event-related component that is sensitive to detecting faces (N170), specifically for happy and angry expressions compared to neutral faces. MA did not affect this measure, and neither drug altered other components of the response to emotional faces. These findings provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of MDMA on socio-emotional processing and may have implications for the therapeutic use of MDMA in the treatment of social anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.”
Authors: Connor J. Haggarty, Anya K. Bershad, Mahesh K. Kumar, Royce Lee & Harriet de Wit
Summary of The 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine enhances early visual processing for salient socio-emotional stimuli
Introduction
The 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a stimulant-like drug with both nonmedical and potential medical uses. It is used recreationally and is in Phase 3 trials as an adjunctive treatment, with psychotherapy, for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Acute doses of MDMA increase sociability, social perception and empathy, decrease social anxiety and fear, and increase generosity and the pleasantness of social touch. These effects may enhance social interactions.
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https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.16346
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Haggarty, C. J., Bershad, A. K., Kumar, M. K., Lee, R., & de Wit, H. (2024). The 3, 4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine enhances early visual processing for salient socio‐emotional stimuli. European Journal of Neuroscience.