An international study involving researchers from UBC Okanagan has shown that MDMA, also known as ecstasy, may be a valuable tool for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Published recently in Psychopharmacology, the study demonstrated substantial improvements in individuals who had not responded to prior treatments, explains UBCO Associate Professor of Psychology Zach Walsh. This is also, he adds, the most comprehensive evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.
“PTSD symptoms decreased after one session of MDMA together with psychotherapy,” says Walsh, study co-author. He adds that 54 per cent of participants no longer met PTSD criteria after two sessions and that there was also improvement in their symptoms of depression.
The response of participants to MDMA-assisted psychotherapy was compared to those who received small doses or non-drug psychotherapy.
“These findings are promising and indicate the needed for larger studies,” says Walsh. “Too many people with PTSD struggle to find effective treatment, and use of MDMA in a supportive environment with trained mental health professionals could be an important addition to our treatment options.”
Ecstasy, also known as Molly, is the nickname for MDMA—a synthetic drug made from a combination of methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. It is a controlled, illegal drug in Canada classified as a stimulant with hallucinogenic properties.
Walsh, as well as researchers from the United States, Switzerland and Israel, examined the results from six clinical trials, involving 103 people. Trial participants included men and women with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD from a wide variety of causes.
Based on these results, the US Food and Drug Administration granted breakthrough therapy designation to MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, acknowledging that it “may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies” and agreeing to expedite its development and review.
The first of two more in-depth clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD began enrolling participants in November 2018 and aims to have 100-150 volunteers across 15 sites in the US, Canada, and Israel. The second trial will take place after an interim analysis of the data from the first trial, and will enrol an additional 100-150 participants. European trials are planned to start in the near future.
Nearly four per cent of all people worldwide will suffer from PTSD during their lifetime. PTSD can be a debilitating disorder, with symptoms including intrusive thoughts and memories, negative effects on thinking and mood, depression, hyperarousal and reactivity, and avoidance. People with PTSD can experience much lower quality of life and relationships, related mental health conditions and suicidal tendencies.
Learn more: ‘Ecstasy’ shows promise for post-traumatic stress treatment
The Latest on: PTSD treatment
[google_news title=”” keyword=”PTSD treatment” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: PTSD treatment
- Fish Help Fathom Psychedelics As Treatment For Depression, PTSDon May 16, 2024 at 7:17 am
Scientists are exploring the use of psychedelic drugs as a potential treatment for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Chicago nurse is finally free of COVID-19-related PTSD and depression after electrical brain tapping therapyon May 16, 2024 at 2:00 am
A Chicago nurse closed out her 40-year career after the coronavirus pandemic left her with PTSD and depression. She revealed how an electrical brain-tapping therapy called deep TMS saved her life.
- Studies on ecstasy for PTSD called into questionon May 15, 2024 at 2:40 am
Clinical trials using the drug known as ecstasy to treat PTSD may have been tainted by investigator biases and understated possible harmful effects, the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review said ...
- PTSD: How is treatment changing?on May 14, 2024 at 9:01 pm
Over the course of a lifetime, as many as seven in 10 adults in the United States will directly experience or witness harrowing events. These include gun violence, car accidents, and other personal ...
- As the FDA evaluates ecstasy treatment for PTSD, questions mount about the evidenceon May 13, 2024 at 9:41 am
Clinical trials of MDMA have been promising, but concerns have emerged about the quality of the research. A June hearing scheduled by the Food and Drug Administration is likely to address them.
- FDA To Hold Advisory Committee Meeting On MDMA Therapy For PTSD, Welcomes Public Commenton May 11, 2024 at 2:39 am
Another significant move forward for MDMA-assisted therapy being made available to patients suffering from PTSD ...
- Trauma and PTSD Treatment Centers in League City, TXon May 11, 2024 at 2:36 am
The OCD Institute Texas provides specialty treatment for OCD, anxiety, phobias, depression & PTSD. Our expert therapists have all received intensive training in treating these disorders.
- US FDA panel to discuss first psychedelic-assisted PTSD treatment next month (May 6)on May 8, 2024 at 8:58 am
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's panel of independent advisers will on June 4 deliberate whether they should recommend approval for the first MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress ...
- FDA to consider MDMA as treatment for PTSDon May 8, 2024 at 8:25 am
An FDA panel of independent advisers is set to consider the first potential new post-traumatic stress disorder treatment in 25 years — MDMA — NBC News reported May 7. MDMA, more commonly known as ...
- Psychedelic therapy: FDA panel to review first ever MDMA-assisted PTSD treatmenton May 7, 2024 at 3:54 am
This will be the first FDA advisory committee meeting to review a potential new PTSD treatment in 25 years, the therapy's manufacturer Lykos Therapeutics said. The Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory ...
via Bing News