A recent study has examined the potential of MDMA/ecstasy and classic psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, peyote, mescaline) as treatments for impairments in social functioning. The study, which used a nationally representative sample of US adults from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, found that lifetime use of MDMA/ecstasy was associated with lowered odds of difficulty dealing with strangers, difficulty participating in social activities, and being prevented from participating in social activities due to mental health issues. Lifetime use of mescaline was also associated with lowered odds of difficulty dealing with strangers. However, lifetime use of LSD was associated with increased odds of difficulty dealing with strangers and difficulty participating in social activities. The findings were published in Scientific Reports.
Impairment in social functioning is a common source of morbidity across many mental health disorders, but there is a lack of effective and easily implemented interventions to support social functioning. The study suggests that MDMA/ecstasy and classic psychedelics may represent potential treatments for impairments in social functioning, as evidence suggests that these compounds may be supportive for alleviating social difficulties.
The study used a nationally representative sample of US adults from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The survey assesses substance use and mental health in a nationally representative sample of the United States population aged 12 and older. The study included all adults 18 years and older in the analyses. The results showed that MDMA/ecstasy conferred lowered odds of difficulty dealing with strangers, difficulty participating in social activities, and being prevented from participating in social activities due to mental health issues. Mescaline use was also associated with lowered odds of difficulty dealing with strangers. All other substances, including classic psychedelics, either did not share a relationship to social impairment or conferred increased odds of social impairment.
However, the study does not prove a causal relationship between the use of these substances and changes in social difficulties. Future experimental studies are needed to assess whether these relationships are causal. Nonetheless, the findings of this study suggest that MDMA/ecstasy and mescaline may have the potential as treatments for impairments in social functioning. The study represents incremental progress in better-supporting individuals experiencing social difficulties related to mental health disorders.
OThe study highlights the need to explore alternative approaches to supporting social functioning, especially in light of the limitations of current treatment options. The study suggests that MDMA/ecstasy and classic psychedelics may offer potential avenues for further exploration of potential treatments for impairments in social functioning. However, further research is needed to understand the potential risks related to these compounds as well. The findings of this study underscore the importance of continued research into novel pharmacotherapies for mental health disorders, especially those related to impairments in social functioning.
