Therapeutic role of psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in trauma: A literature review
Lakshan N Fonseka, Benjamin K.p. Woo
World Journal of Psychiatry May 19, 2023 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i5.182 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ayahuasca LSD MDMA Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Pharmacology Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin and MDMA show promise for rapid improvement in psychiatric conditions when integrated with psychotherapy, but further research is needed to standardize methods and assess adverse effects. |
Abstract
With the Food and Drug Administration designation in 2017 of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a breakthrough therapy in post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression, psychedelic drugs have continued to garner the attention of researchers and clinicians for their promise of unmatched, rapid improvement in a multitude of psychiatric conditions. Classic psychedelic drugs including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ayahuasca, as well as non-classic drugs such as MDMA and ketamine, are currently being investigated for a potential therapeutic role in trauma, depressive disorders, and other psychopathologies. However, psilocybin and MDMA each have a functional profile well-suited for integration with psychotherapy. The present review focuses on psilocybin and MDMA in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), as these studies compose most of the literature pool. In this review, we discuss the current and future uses of psychedelic drugs, with an emphasis on the role of MDMA and psilocybin in PAT in the setting of trauma and related comorbidities on the efficacy of psychedelic drugs across multiple psychiatric disorders. The article concludes with thoughts for future research, such as incorporating wearables and standardization of symptom scales, therapy styles, and assessment of adverse drug reactions.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Pharmacology of MDMA | 2004 | Review | |
| Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research | 2001 | Review | |
| 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans | 1994 | Review | |
| (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals | 2000 | Review | |
| Amphetamine toxicities | 2010 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 12
- Large-scale brain connectivity changes following the administration of lysergic acid diethylamide, d-amphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine. Molecular Psychiatry April 1, 2025
- Psychedelics: A review of their effects on recalled aversive memories and fear/anxiety expression in rodents Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews September 20, 2024
- Mice lacking the serotonin transporter do not respond to the behavioural effects of psilocybin. European Journal of Pharmacology March 15, 2025
- The cyclical revival of psychedelics in psychiatric treatment Current Medical Research and Opinion June 17, 2024
- The effects of psilocybin on psychological distress in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis BMC Psychology January 2, 2026
and 7 more in the library
Cites 44
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 23, 2012
and 39 more in the library