Stare substancje, nowe terapieczyli MDMA w terapii zaburzeń psychicznych
Kosmos August 8, 2024 DOI: 10.36921/kos.2024_2998 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | MDMA has shown positive effects as a psychotherapy adjunct for PTSD with relatively small side effects, and as of 2023 it has been legalized only in Australia for this use. |
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychostimulant, which was synthesized for the first time in 1912 in Germany and later forgotten until the 1970s. Then due to its empathogenic and anti-anxiety qualities it was rediscovered as a psychotherapy adjunct, especially for patients requiring treatment for anxiety disorders and suffering after traumatic events. MDMA's positive effects and lack of negative side effects explains why its use persisted in psychiatric “underground” even after delegalization in 1985, caused by overuse for recreational purposes. Nowadays scientists in many countries conduct basic research, as well as clinical trials to confirm its positive effect as a adjunct therapy especially for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and its relatively small side effects. Until now MDMA has been legalized only in Australia in 2023 for use in psychotherapy of patients suffering from severe PTSD.