Is ecstasy an "empathogen"?
The drug MDMA increased "empathogenic" feelings but reduced accurate identification of threat-related facial emotional signals in others, findings consistent with increased social approach behavior rather than empathy. This effect of MDMA on social cognition has implications for both recreational and therapeutic use. In recreational users, acute drug effects might alter social risk-taking while intoxicated. Socioemotional processing alterations such as those documented here might underlie possible psychotherapeutic benefits of this drug; further investigation of such mechanisms could inform treatment design to maximize active components of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
Variables characterising RF demonstrated a rapid deterioration before and a significant and sustained improvement after DL in burn patients developing ACS. Despite these respiratory improvements, DL was associated with low survival rates. Secondary ACS remains a challenge in burn patients and thus warrants particular attention during intensive care treatment.