PTSD is a mental health disorder that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event, affecting about 5% of the population per year. Various medications and types of therapy are available to treat PTSD, but a new, unconventional treatment is now seeking FDA approval: MDMA, or 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Also known by its street names “molly” or “ecstasy,” this popular party drug has actually shown promising results in early clinical trials for reducing PTSD symptoms when paired with psychotherapy (also called talk therapy).
While MDMA is often seen as a recreational drug, it could someday be prescribed to PTSD patients.
Image Source: farmer images
The most recent UCSF trial in 2023 reaffirmed its “phase 3” study results, which is the phase in which a drug is tested in 300 to 3,000 people. The study took place over 18 weeks, placing participants in two randomly assigned groups: one that received an MDMA dose along with therapy, and one that received a placebo dose with identical therapy. Results showed that at the end of the trial, 71.2% of people in the MDMA-assisted therapy group (vs. 47.6% of people in the placebo-assisted therapy group) no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, effectively curing their condition!
How does this work? MDMA rewires the brain to allow people to feel more empathy for themselves, making them more open to the therapy they receive. MDMA stimulates serotonin, a mood regulator, which releases oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. These chemicals allow people to access traumatic memories with less fear and shame, making them more open and accepting, and ultimately leading to more healing. This is especially helpful for victims of PTSD as they are able to better absorb coping strategies during therapy and process their traumas.
MDMA-assisted therapy is the first drug treatment seeking FDA approval that includes psychotherapy as a part of its regimen. The use of MDMA on its own is not seen as the solution. Instead, it is the combination of MDMA with therapy that improves PTSD symptoms and can help people who suffer from the disorder to heal. Researchers submitted their FDA application in December of 2023, awaiting a decision to be made this year. If approved, MDMA will be the first psychedelic to be recognized by the FDA as a legitimate treatment. This could be a great option for people who suffer from PTSD who are unable to alleviate their symptoms from therapy alone!
Featured Image: N Lawrenson/peopleimages.com
