Objectives Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric disorder, with disabling potential and chronic evolution, that occurs at some people due to exposure to a specific traumatic event or threats of death, serious injury or sexual violence. Currently, psychotherapy is accepted as one of the most effective methods of treating PTSD. Incomplete clinical response as well as...
Abstract 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)–assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been shown to significantly reduce clinical symptomatology, but posttraumatic growth (PTG), which consists of positive changes in self‐perception, interpersonal relationships, or philosophy of life, has not been studied with this treatment. Participant data ( n = 60) were pooled...
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric condition that can develop following a traumatic experience. PTSD is associated with significant disability, a large economic burden, and despite the range of therapies to treat PTSD, response to antidepressants is limited. A growing body of clinical research suggests the efficacy of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine...
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a prevalent mental health condition with substantial impact on daily functioning that lacks sufficient treatment options. Here we evaluate six phase 2 trials in a pooled analysis to determine the study design for phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Six randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials at five study sites were conducted...
Recent research suggests that psychedelic drugs can be powerful agents of change when utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy has been studied as a means of helping people overcome posttraumatic stress disorder, believed to work by reducing fear of traumatic memories and increasing feelings of trust and compassion toward others,...
This article explores incorporating 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as an adjunct in emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT) with clients in which at least one participant has endured a traumatic experience and reports symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite classification as a Schedule I drug on the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), in 2017 the U.S. Food and Drug...
We present select findings from a long-term follow-up qualitative study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for veterans, firefighters, and police officers suffering from chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted at participants' one-year follow-up after a recently completed phase 2 clinical trial. Available interviews from 19 of 24 participants were...
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...
Treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have evolved significantly in the past 35 years. From what was historically viewed as a pervasive, intractable condition have emerged multiple evidence-based intervention options. These treatments, predominantly cognitive behavioral in orientation, provide significant symptom improvement in 50-60% of recipients. The treatment of PTSD with...
MDMA is a powerful empathogen that works by releasing 5-HT It was rediscovered in the 1970s as a useful drug to break down anger and hostility in couples counseling Later it started to be used in the “rave” scene and its name was changed to ecstasy Recently, trials have shown it to have special efficacy in the treatment of PTSD that has proved resistant to conventional treatments Brain imaging...