MDMA as a Stimulation Test for Possible Oxytocin Deficiency in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Healthy Controls

Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. It is involved in important psychosocial aspects and has a positive influence on mother-child relationships or partnership relationships, as well as on feelings such as love, trust, and relaxation. Among laypeople, the hormone is also referred to as the cuddle or love hormone. Changes in the oxytocin system have been studied for many years in connection with autism spectrum disorder, as some affected individuals exhibit peculiarities in social perception and interaction. There is scientific evidence that in some adult individuals with autism spectrum disorder, the release or effect of oxytocin may be altered. However, individual measurements of hormone levels in the blood are not sufficient to reliably assess the function of the oxytocin system. A new approach is to test how well the oxytocin system responds to a targeted stimulus. Such a response is called a "stimulation test." The substance MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is known to trigger a strong, short-term increase in oxytocin levels. This effect has been confirmed multiple times in healthy individuals. With this study, we aim to find out how strongly the oxytocin system of adult individuals with autism spectrum disorder responds to MDMA compared to healthy controls. This will help us better understand whether a portion of adult individuals with autism spectrum disorder may have impaired oxytocin release.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 100mg) as a stimulation test.

Autism Spectrum Disorder