Amelie Zacher, Josua Zimmermann, David M Cole, Nicole Friedli, Antje Opitz, Markus R Baumgartner, Andrea E Steuer, Antonio Verdejo-Garcia, Ann-Kathrin Stock, Christian Beste, Boris B Quednow
Methamphetamine (METH, "Crystal Meth") and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") share structural-chemical similarities but have distinct psychotropic profiles due to specific neurochemical actions. Previous research has suggested that their impact on social cognitive functions and social behaviour may differ significantly, however, direct comparisons of METH and MDMA users regarding social cognition and interaction are lacking. Performances in cognitive and emotional empathy (Multifaceted Empathy Test) and emotion sensitivity (Face Morphing Task), as well as aggressive social behaviour (Competitive Reaction Time Task) were assessed in samples of n = 40 chronic METH users, n = 39 chronic MDMA users and n = 86 stimulant-naïve controls (total N = 165)...
April 19, 2024: European Neuropsychopharmacology: the Journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology