Will MDMA-assisted psychotherapy become a breakthrough in treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder? A critical narrative review.
Sandra Szafoni, Gniewko Więckiewicz, Robert Pudło, Piotr Gorczyca, Magdalena Piegza
Psychiatria Polska August 31, 2022 DOI: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/133919 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | MDMA-assisted psychotherapy |
| Topics | MDMA PTSD Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychotherapy |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key findings | MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD has received FDA breakthrough therapy designation and could be approved by 2022 if phase 3 trials succeed. |
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition that begins after exposure to a traumatic event. Despite recommended various therapeutic approaches, including both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, treatment is not as effective as expected. Over recent years the pharmaceutical industry has not been able to offer a new approach, founded on multiple mechanisms of action. That is why a part of researchers focused on psychoactive substances synthesized years ago and then banned. These days MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD clinical trials are conducted, and due to previous results, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a breakthrough therapy designation. In this article, we present the mechanism of actions, the therapeutic rationale, applied psychotherapeutic methods, and potential dangers. If ongoing phase 3 studies are completed and clinical efficacy criteria are achieved, the FDA could approve the treatment as early as 2022.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Psilocybin and Dimethyltryptamine in Depression Treatment: A Systematic Review Pharmaceuticals August 12, 2021
- Medications for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence—Current State of Knowledge and Future Perspectives from a Public Health Perspective International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health January 19, 2023
- MDMA-Based Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Narrative Overview of Current Evidence Diseases November 3, 2023
- Novel psychedelic interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder and their promise for precision medicine. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology December 4, 2025
- Efficacy and Safety of Psychedelics in Mental Disorder Cases: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials Journal of Clinical Medicine December 29, 2025
and 3 more in the library
Cites 24
- Gender differences in the subjective effects of MDMA Psychopharmacology March 5, 2001
- MDMA enhances emotional empathy and prosocial behavior Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience October 4, 2013
- Oxytocin-dependent reopening of a social reward learning critical period with MDMA Nature April 3, 2019
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) neurotoxicity in rats: a reappraisal of past and present findings Psychopharmacology March 15, 2006
- Increased oxytocin concentrations and prosocial feelings in humans after ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) administration Social Neuroscience June 25, 2009
and 19 more in the library