Psychopathological, neuroendocrine and autonomic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), psilocybin and d-methamphetamine in healthy volunteers. Results of an experimental double-blind placebo-controlled study (1999)

FRANÇAIS :
Les effets psychopathologiques de ce groupe de substances entactogènes sont étudiés chez 32 volontaires sains à l'aide de tests psychométriques, d'inventaires d'auto-évaluation et de témoignages libres. Les effets les plus caractéristiques de la MDE sont des expériences agréables de relaxation, de sentiments de paix, de contentement et d'isolement des autres. Cependant, des effets stimulants et hallucinogènes sont ressentis, les effets hallucinogènes étant plus faibles que ceux de la psilocybine. Parmi ces 3 substances, la MDE produit les effets endocriniens et autonomes les plus forts : pics sériques de cortisol et prolactine, augmentations de la pression sanguine et des battements cardiaques et fièvre modérée. Le contraste entre les effets psychologiques et autonomes (relaxation subjective vs stimulation physique) est une des caractéristiques uniques de l'état induit par la MDE. Ces résultats montrent que les entactogènes constituent une classe distincte de substances psychoactives se situant entre les hallucinogènes et les stimulants.
ENGLISH:
The aim of this study was to contribute to the characterization of the entactogen (ecstasy) substance group. The psychopathological. neuroendocrine and autonomic effects of common recreational doses of the entactogen 3.4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), the hallucinogen psilocybin, the stimulant (1-methamphetamine and placebo were investigated in a double-blind study with healthy volunteers (n = 32). Psychological effects of the drugs were assessed by means of standardized rating scales, self assessment inventories and free descriptions. The most characteristic effects of MDE were pleasant emotional experiences of relaxation, peacefulness, content and closeness to others. However, significant stimulant and hallucinogen-like effects were also present, although the latter were weaker than the effects of psilocybin. MDE elicited the strongest endocrine at-id autonomic effects among the three drugs, including robust rises of serum cortisol and prolactin, elevations of blood pressure and heart rate, and a moderate. but significant rise of body temperature. The apparent contrast between psychological and autonomic effects (subjective relaxation versus physical activation) was a unique feature of the MDE state. Our findings are in line with both users' reports and results from previous experimental studies, and support the view that entactogens constitute a distinct psychoactive substance class taking an intermediate position between hallucinogens and stimulants. (Author' s abstract)