Background: ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has positive effects on socio-emotional processing and MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) showed promise for treating SAD in a previous placebo-controlled trial. Aims: Develop a preliminary estimate of clinical response and safety for MDMA-AT versus waitlist in adults with SAD. Secondary aims included refinement of a standardized psychotherapy...
Self-compassion is theorized to play a central role in promoting mental health and wellbeing, including for individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). One proposed mechanism of MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for SAD is the cultivation of self-compassion. Across five aims, we will characterize self-compassion experiences during MDMA-AT and evaluate its role as a potential mechanism of...
BackgroundSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is a serious and prevalent psychiatric condition that heavily impacts social functioning and quality of life. Though efficacious treatments exist for SAD, remission rates remain elevated and a significant portion of those affected do not access effective treatment, suggesting the need for additional evidence-based treatment options. This paper presents a...
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent and often debilitating psychiatric disorder that can assume a chronic course even when treated. Despite the identification of evidence-based pharmacological and behavioral treatments for SAD, much room for improved outcomes exists and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been proposed as a promising adjunctive treatment to psychological...
This case report describes the application of in vivo and imaginal exposure techniqueswithin MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD). The treatment,conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial, consisted of three non-drug preparationsessions, two drug sessions, and six non-drug integration sessions. Exposure interventionsincluded imaginal exposure to...