2024-01-08 22:46:47
Title: Researchers Push for Approval of MDMA as Treatment for PTSD
By: Nico Reiter
Published: January 8, 2024, 9:46 p.m
California – Researchers are pushing for the approval of MDMA as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after positive results from a study conducted by neurologist Jennifer Mitchell and her research team from the University of California.
The study, which focused on the effect of MDMA on PTSD patients, showed promising results. Over 18 weeks, participants in the study were administered MDMA a total of three times in addition to regular psychotherapy. The results showed that in the medication group, 71 percent of patients no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD after treatment, compared to only 48 percent in the control group with placebo pills.
MDMA, commonly known as a party drug, has shown to have empathogenic and entactogenic effects, increasing social interaction and awareness of one’s own feelings. This can help reduce fear of memories and inhibitions about discussing them in therapy.
The research team hopes to get MDMA approved for the treatment of PTSD patients in the USA. The drug has already been approved for trauma therapy in Australia and a preparatory study for its approval in Europe is currently underway. However, it is expected to take several years before MDMA is approved for PTSD treatment in Germany.
While there are risks associated with MDMA, such as psychological incidents and a so-called MDMA hangover, the results of the study show promising potential for the drug to be used as a complementary therapy for PTSD. This is particularly important for minorities, who are often affected by traumatic events and resulting PTSD.
As more research is conducted and positive results are obtained, the push for the approval of MDMA as a treatment for PTSD continues to gain traction.]
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