MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy

More about MDMA

Some Background

MDMA, the active ingredient in ecstasy, is now being used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Several Phase 2 trials have been completed with a total of 107 participants; there was an overall PTSD remission rate of 61% after 2 months and 68% after 12 months. These are incredible numbers! All participants in these studies had chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD, and had suffered from PTSD for an average of 17.8 years.

One particularly impactful article about MDMA-assisted-psychotherapy was recently published in the Lancet Psychiatry, and studied the effects of this treatment in military veterans, police officers, and firefighters. This was a randomized, double-blind, dose-response study. Many study patients have been followed out as far as 72 months and the effects of the treatment have remained stable.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) – a nonprofit whose aim is to get MDMA FDA approved by 2021 – will be spearheading phase 3 trials along with others in the coming years. During this next phase of research there will also be the possibility for Expanded Access Clinics – so that patients who aren’t able to enroll in phase 3 research studies will be able to be treated elsewhere at designated clinics around the country. The SoundMind Center is excited to be among the first group of Expanded Access sites to be opening.