Changes in trauma symptoms of discrimination after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder.
Monnica T Williams, Sonya C Faber, Jordan Sloshower, Lianna Tullis-robinson, Sergio R Pérez Rosal
Scientific reports July 11, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-59333-w via PubMed
Summary
In a small preliminary study of five diverse participants who had experienced multiple types of discrimination, MDMA-assisted therapy was associated with a 38% reduction in trauma symptoms related to discrimination, as measured by the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale. All participants reported marked improvements across different racial/ethnic identities and discrimination histories. The findings provide early evidence that MDMA-assisted therapy may help alleviate discrimination-related trauma in marginalized populations, though the small sample size calls for cautious interpretation and further research with larger, more diverse groups.
Study at a glance
| Design | preliminary study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 5 |
| Population | diverse participants who experienced multiple types of discrimination (e.g., gender, racial/ethnic, social class, age, sexual orientation) |
| Key finding | MDMA-assisted therapy was associated with a significant 38% reduction in trauma symptoms related to discrimination, with all participants reporting marked improvements. |
Abstract
This preliminary study explored the effects of MDMA-assisted therapy on trauma symptoms related to discrimination, as measured by the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS). A total of five diverse participants, who experienced multiple types of discrimination (e.g., gender, racial/ethnic, social class, age, sexual orientation), were assessed before and after treatment. A paired-samples t-test indicated a significant reduction in TSDS scores following therapy, with mean scores decreasing by 38% (t(4) = 2.85, p = .046). The effect size was large (Cohen's d = 1.28), though this estimate should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size. All participants reported marked improvements in discrimination related trauma symptoms following MDMA-assisted therapy in this sample, and across different racial/ethnic identities and discrimination histories. These findings provide preliminary evidence that MDMA-assisted therapy may effectively alleviate discrimination-related trauma in marginalized populations. We discuss the importance of culturally-informed treatment approaches for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. These early results warrant further investigation in larger, more diverse cohorts.