Magic mushrooms and MDMA may boost empathy, study finds
NCT ID NCT06081179
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether drugs that boost serotonin—like psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and MDMA (ecstasy)—increase prosocial behavior compared to a dopamine-boosting drug (methylphenidate/Ritalin). 122 healthy adults received single doses and completed tasks measuring empathy, moral decisions, and generosity. The goal was to understand the brain chemistry behind social behavior, not to treat any disease.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Psilocybin, MDMA, and methylphenidate
What this could lead to
If successful, this study could help us understand how serotonin affects social behavior, potentially guiding future treatments for social disorders.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study in healthy volunteers, not patients. Results may not apply to real-world social behavior or lead to any treatment.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, 8032, Switzerland