MDMA Therapy for PTSD: MDMA may aid in treating PTSD, according to a study. A study suggests that by 2024, the FDA may approve MDMA for PTSD treatment.
This study was funded by MAPS, a non-profit exploring psychedelics and marijuana as treatment. Since ’86, MAPS has funded drug studies.
Therapists, students, and donors worked on the project for years. The third part of the study in Nature Medicine on September 13, 2024, suggests MDMA treatment may be beneficial.
Researchers studied 104 individuals with PTSD. People received MDMA or a counterfeit drug at three therapy sessions, spaced one month apart. Talk therapy was necessary for both groups.
Looking at goods was enjoyable. MDMA users experienced symptom improvement 86% of the time, compared to 69% with a placebo. A test for PTSD signs, such as flashbacks, bad dreams, and sleep issues, was used to measure this change. At the study’s end, 72% in the MDMA group no longer met PTSD standards, compared to 48% in the control group.
Medical and mental health groups hope these findings will aid people with PTSD. By 2024, the FDA may approve MDMA for therapeutic use.
The study’s success is similar to other psychedelic scientific findings. In July, Australia allowed doctors to prescribe psychedelic drugs for mental health issues, making history. Certain medications, such as psychedelic mushrooms, contain MDMA and psilocybin, causing a euphoric effect. This was a crucial step in drug transformation into medicines.
In 2018, the FDA labeled psilocybin a “breakthrough therapy.” Medicines can be made and tested faster with the label. Researchers, like those at Johns Hopkins, were funded by the government. The FDA released a plan to study the effectiveness of psychedelics as medicine.
Despite the impact of psychedelics on mental health, the American Psychiatric Association does not support them. The research, MDMA study, and work of MAPS and Australia suggest a positive change in treating PTSD and similar mental health issues.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the success rate of MDMA for PTSD?
After 18 weeks of trial, the group that underwent MDMA-assisted therapy showed a significant improvement in their PTSD symptoms. A remarkable 71.2% of the participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, compared to only 47.6% of those who received therapy with a placebo. This highlights the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy as a promising treatment option for PTSD.
What are the new drugs for PTSD?
Patients suffering from both PTSD and SUD may have a new ray of hope in the form of an old group of drugs known as psychedelics. These drugs, which include natural substances like psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT, as well as synthetic ones like LSD and MDMA, are showing promise as a potential treatment option. With their unique properties and ability to enhance therapy, psychedelics could be a game-changer for those struggling with these conditions.
What is the best medication for PTSD?
For those dealing with PTSD, there are three recommended medications: Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Venlafaxine (Effexor). These medications fall into two categories: two are SSRIs and one is an SNRI. Zoloft and Paxil are both SSRIs, while Effexor is an SNRI. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which medication is best for your individual needs.
What psychedelic is used to treat PTSD?
Since 1993, the Heffter Research Institute, a nonprofit organization, has been conducting research on psilocybin, the active component in magic mushrooms. In 2017, the FDA recognized MDMA-assisted therapy as a “breakthrough therapy” for treating PTSD.