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MDMA in PTSD

February 13, 2019 DOI: 10.64239/pi-qt0303 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial
Interventions MDMA Psychotherapy
Duration Two therapy sessions 1 month apart, 18 hours of psychotherapy without MDMA
Topics MDMA PTSD
Key findings MDMA at full dose exhibited a very strong effect size relative to a small-dose active control when used adjunctively with psychotherapy.

Abstract

As just one of several psychotropics being examined for potential adjunctive use with psychotherapy, MDMA exhibited a very strong effect size at full dose relative to a small-dose “active control." It was used in two therapy sessions, 1 month apart, in addition to 18 hours of psychotherapy without MDMA–all of which was manual driven. Although MDMA is not going to be used routinely with our patients, it’s interesting to see that this work is being performed, and the results were striking. Watch for phase III clinical trials to follow based on this work.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on MDMA for PTSD, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Patients with severe PTSD, including those with comorbidities such as dissociation,... 2021 Randomized controlled trial n = 90
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. Patients with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder refractory to both psychotherapy... 2010 Randomized controlled trial n = 20
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. Military veterans and first responders aged 18 or older with chronic PTSD lasting 6... 2018 Randomized, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial n = 26
A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Patients with treatment-resistant PTSD 2012 Randomized controlled trial n = 12
MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Adults with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder 2023 Randomized controlled trial n = 104

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