Changes in trauma symptoms of discrimination after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder.
Monnica T. Williams, Sonya C. Faber, Jordan Sloshower, Lianna Tullis-Robinson, Sergio Pérez Rosal
Scientific Reports July 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-59333-w (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preliminary study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 5 |
| Population | Diverse participants who experienced multiple types of discrimination (gender, racial/ethnic, social class, age, sexual orientation) |
| Intervention | MDMA-assisted therapy |
| Topics | MDMA Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Discrimination Oppression Trauma |
| Key points | MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduced discrimination-related trauma symptoms, with a 38% decrease in TSDS scores and a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.28). |
Abstract
This preliminary study explored the effects of MDMA-assisted therapy on trauma symptoms related to discrimination, as measured by the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS). A total of five diverse participants, who experienced multiple types of discrimination (e.g., gender, racial/ethnic, social class, age, sexual orientation), were assessed before and after treatment. A paired-samples t-test indicated a significant reduction in TSDS scores following therapy, with mean scores decreasing by 38% (t(4) = 2.85, p = .046). The effect size was large (Cohen's d = 1.28), though this estimate should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size. All participants reported marked improvements in discrimination related trauma symptoms following MDMA-assisted therapy in this sample, and across different racial/ethnic identities and discrimination histories. These findings provide preliminary evidence that MDMA-assisted therapy may effectively alleviate discrimination-related trauma in marginalized populations. We discuss the importance of culturally-informed treatment approaches for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. These early results warrant further investigation in larger, more diverse cohorts.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for 2 syntheses in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduced discrimination-related trauma symptoms, with a 38% decrease in TSDS scores and a large effect size.
Synthesized
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State of the evidence: MDMA for PTSD Supports
MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduced discrimination-related trauma symptoms, with a 38% decrease in TSDS scores and a large effect size (d = 1.28), though the sample was very small.
Synthesized