MDMA-assisted PTSD and Alcohol Therapy Trial (MPATHY): study protocol for a double-blind, randomised, controlled outpatient trial of MDMA-assisted integrated exposure-based therapy for comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder

Summary

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of combining MDMA with evidence-based therapy for individuals with both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). It will compare MDMA-assisted therapy against an active control in a randomized controlled trial involving 100 participants. Key outcomes include changes in PTSD symptoms and heavy drinking days, with additional evaluations of depression and treatment satisfaction.

Study at a glance

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is significantly more challenging than the treatment of either disorder alone. While gold standard evidence-based treatments exist for this comorbidity, clinically significant improvements are only observed in approximately half of clinical trial participants. The use of adjunctive pharmacotherapies, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), may serve to optimise gold standard interventions. The primary aim of the MDMA-assisted PTSD and Alcohol Therapy Trial study is to examine the therapeutic and cost-effectiveness of combining MDMA with evidence-based integrated care for comorbid PTSD+AUD. Specifically, we will examine MDMA-assisted integrated exposure therapy versus active control-assisted integrated exposure therapy in improving treatment outcomes for PTSD+AUD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This world-first double-blind trial will aim to randomise 100 participants with PTSD+AUD to a regimen of Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE) (12 sessions)+MDMA (80-160 mg: 2 dosing and 2 integration sessions) or COPE (12 sessions)+active control (niacin 250 mg: 2 dosing sessions and 2 integration sessions). All participants will receive medical management. The primary PTSD outcome will be the clinician-administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. The primary drinking outcome will be the number of heavy drinking days (HDDs) per week, validated by phosphatidylethanol. Secondary PTSD and alcohol-related outcomes will include PTSD checklist for DSM-5 scores, absence of any HDDs and standard drinks per drinking day. We will also examine change in other clinical conditions and symptoms including depression, sleep disturbances and post-traumatic cognitions; treatment satisfaction and engagement; adverse events; and cost-effectiveness. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study will be conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and the International Conference on Harmonisation-Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Ethical approval has been granted by the Sydney Local Health District Ethics Review Committee (X22-0121 & 2022/ETH00773). The results of this study will provide world-first data regarding safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of MDMA to optimise integrated exposure-based therapy for comorbid AUD and PTSD and will be disseminated to ensure wide accessibility and to support further research and clinical application. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05709353.

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