Combining Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD with 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): A Case Example.
Anne C Wagner, Michael C Mithoefer, Ann T Mithoefer, Candice M Monson
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2019 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1589028 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Pilot study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2 |
| Population | One couple with PTSD and a severe trauma history, participating in a pilot trial combining CBCT and MDMA |
| Interventions | Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (CBCT) MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA PTSD |
| Keywords | Cbt PTSD Treatment Couples therapy MDMA Therapy |
| Citations | 92 |
| Key findings | Combining CBCT for PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can produce reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in relationship satisfaction. |
Abstract
Treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have evolved significantly in the past 35 years. From what was historically viewed as a pervasive, intractable condition have emerged multiple evidence-based intervention options. These treatments, predominantly cognitive behavioral in orientation, provide significant symptom improvement in 50-60% of recipients. The treatment of PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy using a supportive, non-directive approach has yielded promising results. It is unknown, however, how different therapeutic modalities could impact or improve outcomes. Therefore, to capitalize on the strengths of both approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (CBCT) was combined with MDMA in a small pilot trial. The current article provides a case study of one couple involved in the trial, chosen to provide a demographically representative example of the study participants and a case with a severe trauma history, to offer a detailed account of the methodology and choices made to integrate CBCT and MDMA, as well as an account of their experience through the treatment and their treatment gains. This article offers a description of the combination of CBCT for PTSD and MDMA, and demonstrates that it can produce reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in relationship satisfaction.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on MDMA for PTSD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 40
- Reviewing the Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of PTSD The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology March 12, 2020
- Adverse events in clinical treatments with serotonergic psychedelics and MDMA: A mixed-methods systematic review Journal of Psychopharmacology August 26, 2022
- Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy—A Systematic Review of Associated Psychological Interventions Frontiers in Psychology June 10, 2022
- MDMA-facilitated cognitive-behavioural conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: an uncontrolled trial. European Journal of Psychotraumatology December 7, 2020
- The Past and Future of Psychedelic Science: An Introduction to This Issue Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 15, 2019
and 35 more in the library
Cites 14
- The safety and efficacy of {+/-}3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder: the first randomized controlled pilot study. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 19, 2010
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers: a randomised, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial. The Lancet Psychiatry May 1, 2018
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- Durability of improvement in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and absence of harmful effects or drug dependency after 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy: a prospective long-term follow-up study. Journal of Psychopharmacology 2013
- Increased oxytocin concentrations and prosocial feelings in humans after ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) administration Social Neuroscience June 25, 2009
and 9 more in the library