MDMA and Oxytocin Levels in Adults With Autism Compared to Healthy Adults
Tests whether MDMA changes oxytocin levels differently in adults with autism than in healthy adults.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Circulating Oxytocin Changes in Response to MDMA vs. Placebo in Adult Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Matched Healthy Controls
Key facts
- Where
- Basel, SwitzerlandSee the site
Where in Switzerland
- University Hospital Basel, Endocrinology, Diabetes and MetabolismBasel, SwitzerlandNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Trial code
- NCT07555132
- Record updated
- 29 April 2026
- Original description
This study is to investigate the physiological mechanism of oxytocin system stimulation using 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a physiological tool (acute oxytocin releases), not as a medication. This study seeks to test whether the oxytocin response after MDMA administration is different between individuals with autism spectrum disorder and matched healthy controls.Read full original descriptionShow less
Circulating Oxytocin Changes in Response to MDMA vs. Placebo in Adult Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Matched Healthy Controls
This study is to investigate the physiological mechanism of oxytocin system stimulation using 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a physiological tool (acute oxytocin releases), not as a medication. This study seeks to test whether the oxytocin response after MDMA administration is different between individuals with autism spectrum disorder and matched healthy controls.
Inclusion: Adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder level 1 according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) V; Adult healthy controls; Matched for age, sex, BMI, and oestrogen replacement/menopause/hormonal contraceptives to patients; No medication, except hormonal contraception; A score of <32 in the Autism Spectrum Quotient.
Exclusion: Participation in a trial with investigational drugs within 30 days; Illicit substance use (except for cannabis) more than 10 times in lifetime or any time within the previous two months; Current or previous major psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depression, schizophrenia spectrum disorder); Uncontrolled arterial hypertension (>140/90 mmHg) or hypotension (<85mmHg); Psychotic disorder in first-degree relatives; Confirmed epilepsy diagnosis; Diagnosed autism spectrum disorder level 2 or 3 (according to DSM V criteria); Cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%, stroke in the last 3 months, atrial fibrillation/flutter, Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW)-Syndrome); Diagnosed CKD > grade III (GFR < 30ml/min); Consumption of alcoholic beverages >15 drinks/week; Tobacco smoking >10 cigarettes/day; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Diagnosed liver cirrhosis or alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) or aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) levels 2.5 times above the normal range.