Study finds MDMA-assisted therapy to be safe and highly effective to treat severe PTSD

We report the findings of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-site phase 3 clinical trial (NCT03537014) to test the efficacy and safety of 3,4‑methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for the treatment of patients with severe PTSD, including those with common comorbidities such as dissociation, depression, a history of alcohol and substance use disorders, and childhood trauma. After psychiatric medication washout, participants (n=90) were randomized 1:1 to receive manualized therapy with MDMA or with placebo, combined with three preparatory and nine integrative therapy sessions … These data indicate that, compared with manualized therapy with inactive placebo, MDMA-assisted therapy is highly efficacious in individuals with severe PTSD, and treatment is safe and well-tolerated, even in those with comorbidities. We conclude that MDMA-assisted therapy represents a potential breakthrough treatment that merits expedited clinical evaluation. News in Context: Study: Psychedelics can promote neural plasticity in the prefrontal cortex and expand pathways for mental health Recent book by Michael Pollan: How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence Classic book by Aldous Huxley: The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell The post Study finds MDMA-assisted therapy to be safe and highly effective to treat severe PTSD appeared first on Sharp...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Brain/ Mental Health Clinical-Trial Ecstasy MDMA MDMA-assisted therapy methylenedioxymethamphetamine Molly post-traumatic-stress-disorder psychedelics Psychotherapy PTSD severe PTSD Source Type: blogs