Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2015-9
Recreational 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) or ‘ecstasy’ and self-focused compassion: Preliminary steps in the development of a therapeutic psychopharmacology of contemplative practices
3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) produces diverse
pro-social effects. Cognitive training methods rooted in Eastern contemplative practices
also produce these effects through the development of a compassionate mindset. Given this
similarity, we propose that one potential mechanism of action of MDMA in psychotherapy is
through enhancing effects on intrapersonal attitudes (i.e. pro-social
attitudes towards the self). We provide a preliminary test of this idea.
Recreational MDMA (ecstasy) users were tested on two occasions, having consumed or not
consumed ecstasy. Self-critical and self-compassionate responses to self-threatening
scenarios were assessed before (T1) and after (T2) ecstasy use (or non-use), and then
after compassionate imagery (T3). Moderating roles of dispositional self-criticism and
avoidant attachment were examined. Separately, compassionate imagery and ecstasy produced
similar sociotropic effects, as well as increases in self-compassion and reductions in
self-criticism. Higher attachment-related avoidance was associated with additive effects
of compassionate imagery and ecstasy on self-compassion. Findings were in line with MDMA’s
neuropharmacological profile, its phenomenological effects and its proposed adjunctive use
in psychotherapy. However, although conditions were balanced, the experiment was non-blind
and MDMA dose/purity was not determined. Controlled studies with pharmaceutically pure
MDMA are still needed to test these effects rigorously.
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