Node Smith, ND

Recent research into MDMA (ecstasy) showed that the drug can induce a neural response that allows the brain to become more sensitive to the reward and value learning process of social behaviors. This “critical period” of learning is typically seen in adolescence when people and animals are most sensitive to the social cues of community to learn behavior that supports these social relationships.

What previous studies have shown of MDMA combined with psychotherapy

Previous studies have shown that MDMA combined with psychotherapy can be helpful for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study – though conducted on a murine model – may help explain the mechanism by which this occurs. The strengthening of the patient-therapist bond is thought to underline these positive effects seen with MDMA.

The research sought to see if “critical periods,” which exist for learning reward value and social behaviors, could “re-open” with MDMA

The research was published in the journal Nature. Mice were placed together for 24 hours in a cage that had a specific type of bedding and then moved to another cage for 24 hours by themselves, this cage had another type of bedding. The animals began to associate isolation and community with different types of bedding. Then the team allowed the mice to move freely between the two cages and monitored the time spent in different areas. The more time spent in the compartments associated with community was interpreted as an indicator of higher social reward learning.

Not too dissimilar to the idea that people gather in certain locales in order to interact with companions

This is not too dissimilar to the idea that people gather in certain areas at a party, or at the water cooler at work in order to interact with companions.

The experiments showed a “critical period” of learning exists with puberty & subsides with maturity

The experiments showed that there was a critical period for this type of learning that correlated with puberty and then diminishes as the animals mature to adulthood.

Testing if the “critical period”could be re-initiated in mature mice

To test if the critical period could be re-initiated in more mature mice, the researchers administered a single dose of MDMA and waited 48 hours for the animals to clear the drug from their systems. Then they observed how the animals explored and interacted with other mice.

After the MDMA, most mice showed similar social behavior as younger mice

Surprisingly, after the MDMA, most of the mice showed similar social behavior as younger mice, and made positive associations between social interaction and the bedding. This effect lasted for two weeks and was not seen in control mice (injected with saline).

Effect only observed in mice given the drug while with other mice vs mice who received it alone

The effect was also only observed in mice that had been given the drug while they were with other mice and not in mice who received it while they were alone. The scientists say this suggests that the effectiveness of MDMA at reopening the critical period may depend on whether the mice are in a social setting when it is administered.

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Node Smith, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Humboldt, Saskatchewan and associate editor and continuing education director for NDNR. His mission is serving relationships that support the process of transformation, and that ultimately lead to healthier people, businesses and communities. His primary therapeutic tools include counselling, homeopathy, diet and the use of cold water combined with exercise. Node considers health to be a reflection of the relationships a person or a business has with themselves, with God and with those around them. In order to cure disease and to heal, these relationships must be specifically considered. Node has worked intimately with many groups and organizations within the naturopathic profession, and helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic Revitalization (ANR), which works to promote and facilitate experiential education in vitalism.

Node Smith graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in 2017, and is currently licensed as a naturopathic physician in Oregon and working towards becoming licensed in Saskatchewan, Canada as well.