Comparative Efficacy of Psilocybin and MDMA in PTSD Treatment: A Systematic Review of Long-Term Outcomes
Presley Aspen
Berkeley Scientific Journal November 13, 2025 DOI: 10.5070/bs329265627 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA Psilocybin PTSD |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen |
| Key findings | The review compares psilocybin and MDMA's effectiveness in treating PTSD. |
Abstract
Highly stressful events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-a significant public health concern which existing treatments (e.g., psychotherapy and traditional medications) have shown marginal efficacy for.Psychedelics-alternatively called hallucinogens-are psychoactive substances that cause perception, mood, and cognitive changes.Because they are known for their impact on neuron plasticity and the formation of new connections, researchers are exploring psychedelics' therapeutic potential for PTSD.This review compares psilocybin and MDMA's effectiveness in treating PTSD.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Compares psilocybin and MDMA effectiveness in treating PTSD, noting existing treatments have shown marginal efficacy.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin for PTSD, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA. | 2016 | Review | |
| Registered clinical studies investigating psychedelic drugs for psychiatric disorders. Registered clinical trials on clinicaltrials.gov evaluating psychedelics for... | 2021 | Review | n = 70 |
| The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment | 2024 | Comprehensive review | |
| Diverse therapeutic developments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) indicate common mechanisms of memory modulation. | 2022 | Review | |
| Is it now time to prepare psychiatry for a psychedelic future? | 2024 | Review |