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This Stanford Regulating Circuits of the Brain (RBRAIN) - MDMA study is the first of its kind to detail how brain circuits and experiences change in real time during MDMA administration.  

 

Little is known about the mode of action for MDMA. In this study, we are characterizing in detail how the acute administration of MDMA impacts brain circuits and experiences for each individual person. As a mechanistic trial, we focus first on healthy people.

 

This information is an essential foundation for then making progress in using MDMA as a personalized and safe therapeutic. Faculty members involved in this study are Drs. Leanne Williams, Brian Knutson, Karl DeisserothRobert Malenka, Laura Hack, Carolyn Rodriguez, Trisha Suppes, Boris Heifets, Peter van Roessel and Christina Khan.

Overview

MDMA (“ecstasy” or “molly”) is a stimulant that can produce an energizing effect and enhanced tactile experiences. It is known as a street drug of abuse, and while not FDA-approved for any indication, is also known for its therapeutic properties. Despite its recent popularity, little is known about its mode of action, subjective effects, and how its effects promote continued use. By integrating four Research Projects led by Drs. Karl Deisseroth, Lisa Giocomo, Robert Malenka, Leanne Williams, and Brian Knutson, we aim to develop a theoretically-informed characterization of the effects of these drugs on the neurobehavior of specific circuits for processing risk and reward, the connectivity of these circuits, and how these circuits and their connectivity predict acute drug experience and drug use outcomes. To do this we will administer 3 randomized doses of MDMA (80 mg, 120 mg, and placebo) while undergoing an MRI scan, cognitive assessments, and surveys assessing mood and drug effects.

Goals

We seek to better understand the acute effects of MDMA on the brain, cognition, and subjective experiences in healthy individuals to better understand addictive and therapeutic mechanisms. 

Sign Up to Participate

Our study is currently recruiting healthy adults 18-55 years old who have used MDMA two or more times.
 
As part of the study, you will complete 5 in-person visits and will receive up to $620, lunches, and an image of your brain.

​If you are interested in participating in the study, please complete the following online screening survey:

We will contact you as soon as possible after receiving your completed screening survey. Thank you for your interest in our studies!

RBRAIN - MDMA

Meet the Team

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Leanne Williams, PhD

Principal Investigator

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Leyla Boyar

Clinical Research Coordinator

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Xue Zhang, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

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Rachel Hilton, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Research Nurse Practitioner

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Laura Hack, MD, PhD

Lead Psychiatrist

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Jessica Laudie

Clinical Research Coordinator

Collaborators

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Karl Deisseroth, MD, PhD

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Brian Knutson, PhD

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Lisa Giocomo, PhD

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Patricia Suppes, MD, PhD

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Robert Malenka, MD, PhD

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Carolyn Rodriguez

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Boris Heifets, MD, PhD

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Peter van Roessel, MD, PhD

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Christina Khan, MD, PhD

RBRAIN is funded through a National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) Specialized Center (P50) grant.

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Grant: P50DA042012

Funding

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