A Review of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-Assisted Psychotherapy
Frontiers in Psychiatry – March 20, 2019
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
MDMA, often called Ecstasy, is on track for FDA/EMA licensing by 2021 as a medicine, currently in final Phase 3 trials for PTSD. This marks a significant advance in Psychiatry and Psychology. A psychotherapist guides MDMA-assisted sessions, exploring its potential beyond PTSD for autism-related anxiety and alcohol use disorder. Such Psychedelics and Drug Studies, alongside Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, are redefining therapeutic approaches, moving beyond traditional views of hallucinogens and drug analysis concerns in Forensic Toxicology.
Abstract
This paper provides a brief review of the history, proposed pharmacological mechanisms, safety issues, and clinical applications of the medicine 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Most clinical MDMA research in patients to date has focused on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this review paper other potential therapeutic applications for MDMA therapy are described, including contemporary studies treating anxiety associated with autism and the authors' ongoing study exploring the potential role for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat alcohol use disorder. MDMA therapy for PTSD is now entering the final Phase 3 stage of drug development, with a target set for licensing by the FDA and EMA in 2021. This means that if clinical efficacy criteria are achieved, MDMA would become a medicine.