Including Sexually and Gender Diverse Populations in 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Trial Research.
Ziad Saade, Brady D. Hanshaw, Alex S Keuroghlian
LGBT health 2024 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2024.0103 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy PTSD MDMA |
| Keywords | MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Minority stress Stigma MDMA Treatment Trauma treatment |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that clinical trial design and implementation for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy should be adapted for sexually and gender diverse populations with PTSD. |
Abstract
Sexually and gender diverse (SGD) populations experience an increased prevalence and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared with the general population. Minority stress theory contextualizes this increased disease burden by outlining how stigma and discrimination (e.g., homophobia and transphobia) contribute to worse mental health outcomes. The standard-of-care pharmacotherapy for PTSD is associated with significant treatment resistance. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) has emerged as an investigational treatment for PTSD but has lacked consideration for SGD populations. This article explores next steps in clinical trial design and implementation for the study of MDMA-AP with SGD populations who have PTSD.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on MDMA and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The potential use of N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA) assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of eating disorders comorbid with PTSD. | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in adolescents: rationale, potential, risks, and considerations. Adolescents with PTSD | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Couple Therapy With MDMA-Proposed Pathways of Action. | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Informed Consent in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The “Third” Eye: Ethics of Video Recording in the Context of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy | 2023 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Exploring Self-Reported Effects of Naturalistic Psychedelic Use Among Gender and Sexual Minorities: A Quantitative Survey Study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 18, 2025
- Naturalistic psychedelic experiences and gender-based self-acceptance in transgender and gender-expansive people International Journal of Transgender Health March 19, 2025
- "Honoring Beautiful Connections": LGBTQA+ Perspectives on Providing Safe and Inclusive Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Journal of Homosexuality July 8, 2025
Cites 7
- MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Nature Medicine October 1, 2023
- MDMA enhances emotional empathy and prosocial behavior Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience October 4, 2013
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine facilitates fear extinction learning Translational Psychiatry September 15, 2015
- MDMA‐Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review With Meta‐Analysis The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology October 28, 2021
- The effect of acutely administered MDMA on subjective and BOLD-fMRI responses to favourite and worst autobiographical memories The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology December 17, 2013
and 2 more in the library