MDMA to boost social motivation in people with schizophrenia
MDMA as a Treatment for Social Deficits in Schizophrenia
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11169055
Adults with schizophrenia will receive carefully controlled doses of MDMA to find out if it increases their motivation to connect with others.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11169055 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would take part in a two-phase program testing whether single doses of MDMA can make it easier to feel close to and engage with other people. The first phase gives each participant ascending doses (40mg, 80mg, then 120mg) while doctors watch for safety and stopping rules. Researchers will measure changes in social behavior, attention to social cues, hormone and blood markers, and follow people over time. All dosing and assessments happen in person at the study site under clinical supervision.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with schizophrenia who continue to have meaningful social withdrawal despite standard treatments and who are medically stable and cleared for MDMA exposure.
Not a fit: People with unstable psychosis, recent hospitalizations, certain heart problems, pregnancy, or medications/conditions that make MDMA unsafe are unlikely to be eligible or benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce social withdrawal and improve daily social functioning for people with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: MDMA has produced strong pro-social effects in healthy volunteers and promising results in PTSD, but its use specifically for social deficits in schizophrenia is novel and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BERSHAD, ANYA K — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: BERSHAD, ANYA K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.