Is there a case for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the UK?
Journal of Psychopharmacology February 28, 2007 DOI: 10.1177/0269881107069029 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Randomized Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychotherapist Recreational use Subject documents Law |
| Citations | 44 |
| Key findings | MDMA has a history of apparently safe and effective therapeutic use in psychotherapy, and recent double-blind randomized controlled trials are revisiting its potential as an adjunct to psychotherapy. |
Abstract
Much has been written in scientific and popular literature in recent years about the dangers surrounding the recreational use of the drug MDMA/ecstasy. What is little known and understood however is the history of the apparently safe and effective use of MDMA as a therapeutic tool for psychotherapy. In this paper the author explores this history and describes the recent re-emergence of scientific interest in MDMA and other psychedelic drugs. There are currently several new double-blind randomised controlled trials underway re-visiting the subject. By acknowledging the limitations of this new research and emphasising the importance of exercising appropriate but realistic caution, the author asks that the medical profession consider a dispassionate and open-minded debate to examine whether MDMA might have a legitimate place as an adjunct to psychotherapy in modern psychiatric practice.