Researchers study MDMA to Find If It Could Help Alleviate Anxiety in Adults with Autism

It has been said that a team of researchers is carrying out research to find out if MDMA, clinically known as ecstasy and Molly, could help alleviate social anxiety in adults with autism.

A research team from Los Angles conducted a first pilot study last year and recently in March they presented their reasoning for studying the medicinal use of the drug in the journal Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry.

The study authors argued that the drug mostly associated with recreational use is far safer in its purest form in a controlled clinical setting than when sold on the street.

As per experts, MDMA is associated with feelings of increased energy, euphoria, and emotional warmth and empathy toward others, which as per researchers could greatly benefit autistic adults.

Researchers said it is an important area of study, as people living with this condition suffer from the lack of effective treatment options.

The drug is presently under study for finding possible treatment for other mental health disorders, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

MDMA has been illegal in the United States since the 1980s due to some of its negative side effects, which includes increased heart rate and blood pressure, blurred vision, faintness, and muscle tension.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in some rare cases, high doses of MDMA can also hinder the body's ability to regulate temperature and result in liver, kidney, or cardiovascular system failure or even death.

Researchers stated that the ecstasy or Molly sold on the street may contain some more harmful substances that can increase the risk of its adverse effects.