MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: The Devil Is in the Detail
December 27, 2022 DOI: 10.64239/pi-qt4603
Summary
MDMA, when used alongside psychotherapy for PTSD, was found to be superior to a placebo with an effect size of 0.9. However, issues with blinding in the study raise concerns about the validity of these findings. Additionally, there is a growing positivity bias in the public advocacy for psychedelics that may impact research quality and outcomes, prompting calls for caution in interpreting current studies on MDMA's effectiveness for PTSD treatment.
Study at a glance
| Design | randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Population | individuals with PTSD undergoing psychotherapy |
| Key finding | MDMA as an adjunct to psychotherapy for PTSD was superior to placebo with an effect size of 0.9. |
Abstract
A randomized trial of MDMA as an adjunct to psychotherapy for PTSD found it superior to placebo plus the same manualized therapy (effect size 0.9). However, the blinding in that study almost completely failed. Vocal public advocacy for psychedelics as adjuncts to psychotherapy is creating an environment of high positivity bias that is affecting research quality and results. Thus, a recent review article urges caution regarding interpretation of studies so far regarding MDMA in the treatment of PTSD.