MDMA and Mental Health
As mental health illness awareness continues to become more popular, more people are conducting extensive research in medications and other treatments. Some researchers believe that methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as MDMA or Ecstasy, is a popular illegal “party” drug. Countless people around the country use it during raves and parties, but it is a highly addictive and dangerous substance. The US classified MDMA as a Schedule I drug in 1985, and it is an illegal substance because it has “’ no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse’” (MNT). This can spark a downward spiral and tear apart the user’s life. However, some scientists are considering using this drug to treat mental illnesses because it “boosts energy and especially empathy, making people feel more connected and safe around others, even if they are strangers” (MNT). A new study published in the Science Translation Medicine journal by scientists at Stanford University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine details the experiment: “the team aimed to determine how MDMA causes an individual to become more sociable” (MNT). The researchers also wanted to understand if it is possible to use MDMA at an incredibly small dose for the positive effects, within reason, and minimize other threats to health and the risk for developing an addiction. The senior author of the study, Dr. Robert Malenka, notes “MDMA promotes social interaction and showed that [this is] distinct from how it generates abuse potential among its users” (MNT). If we can provide patients extremely small doses of MDMA to patients suffering from life-threatening mental illnesses like severe depression, while ensuring they do not develop a tolerance or addiction to the substance, we can provide patients with a better quality of life. It can help “individuals who were struggling with communication feel more at ease and able to talk about their problems” (MNT). This is pivotal for patients in therapy; opening up and talking about issues can help medical professionals better understand the problem and articulate a solution.
How exactly does MDMA change brain chemistry, resulting in the positive effects without becoming addictive? Dr. Malenka explains that the “brain’s reward circuitry tells us something is good for our survival and propagation... it’s promoted our survival” (MNT). Although this circuit has helped humans advance civilization and develop healthy habits, it can also reinforce unhealthy behaviors for a highly desired end result. This the fundamental part of an addiction. Dopamine, the “happy hormone” is released and “acts on a brain region that is key to the reward system” (MNT). When people abuse MDMA, massive amounts of dopamine is released, thus, laying the foundation for addiction. The positive effects of MDMA are related to the “release of serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate many functions, including mood, sexual desire, and social behavior” (MNT). The scientists are working to develop a way to have MDMA release more serotonin and minimal dopamine to dramatically reduce (perhaps, completely eliminate) the risk of developing a tolerance or addiction. This was proven with the study of mice. The mice that were administered 7.5 mg/kg (still a low dose) were much more sociable and did not get addicted to the drug; they were more likely to interact with other mice for longer periods of time. Only mice receiving more than 15 mg/kg began developing an addiction.
Although scientists proved that extremely small doses of MDMA have massive benefits, it “can impact vascular health” and cannot be used as a daily therapeutic. As such, more research is required for how often we can utilize MDMA to help patients in the future.
Works Cited:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327308.php#6
Image Credit: https://www.vpul.upenn.edu/alcohol_/files/ecstasy.jpg