Assessing the quality of publicly available videos on MDMA‐assisted psychotherapy for PTSD
Mariam Kyarunts, Meghna P. Mansukhani, Larissa L. Loukianova, Bhanu P. Kolla
The American Journal on Addictions November 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13325 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 100 |
| Population | Videos on YouTube about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD |
| Topics | MDMA Psychedelic-assisted therapy PTSD |
| Citations | 26 |
| Key findings | Videos on YouTube about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD were of poor quality, with mean Global Quality Score 2.26 out of 5, JAMA benchmark 1.96 out of 4, and DISCERN 29.5 out of 80. |
Abstract
AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPatients increasingly rely on the Internet for healthcare information. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of videos on 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on YouTube™.MethodsYouTube™ was searched for the terms “MDMA” and “PTSD.” The 100 most viewed videos were analyzed using three standard quality measures: Global Quality Scores (GQS), JAMA benchmark, and DISCERN. Viewer engagement features and source of upload, video duration, inclusion of patient narrative and/or MD/DO/PhD, the mention of lack of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, side effects, potential for abuse, and use in conjunction with psychotherapy were recorded.ResultsThe videos were of poor quality (mean GQS: 2.26 ± 0.94/5, JAMA: 1.96 ± 0.45/4, and DISCERN: 29.5 ± 8.2/80). A significant positive association was found between video quality and duration (GQS: r = .5857, p < .0001, JAMA: r = .279, p = .0409, DISCERN: r = .5783, p < .0001). Videos including an MD/DO/PhD had the highest scores (GQS: 2.87/5 [1.22], p = .006, DISCERN: 38.35/80 [13.32], p < .0003). A minority of videos were uploaded by academic institutions (1%); most were from professional organizations (29%). No correlation was found between quality and viewer engagement features‐number of views, subscribers, likes/dislikes, or comments. A majority mentioned that MDMA must be used in conjunction with psychotherapy (85%) and is not FDA‐approved (82%) for PTSD. Only 32% of videos mentioned risks or potential for abuse.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the need for better quality of online health material and an opportunity for involvement of healthcare professionals in the dissemination of accurate health information via content creation.Scientific SignificanceThis is the first study to examine publicly available information on the use of MDMA for PTSD.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on MDMA and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attitudes toward psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy among potential mental health service users and the general population in Australia. Australians, including individuals with and without self-identified mental illness | 2024 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 502 |
| Knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about psilocybin and MDMA as novel therapies among U.S. healthcare professionals. U.S. healthcare professionals | 2024 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 879 |
| Expert opinions on implementation of MDMA-assisted therapy in Europe: critical appraisal towards training, clinical practice, and regulation. Researchers and clinicians involved in MDMA-AT clinical trials and contributors to the... | 2024 | Survey | n = 68 |
| Psychedelic-assisted therapy: a survey on the clinical methods of Swiss physicians. Physicians providing psychedelic-assisted therapy under Swiss Federal Office of Public... | 2026 | Survey | n = 41 |
| Oncology Providers' Perspectives on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Healthcare professionals involved in oncology across academic and nonacademic... | 2026 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 385 |