February 24, 2026
Momoko Ishii, Mark Zervas
SSRIs, psilocybin, and MDMA all modulate serotonin-related neural circuits and are used or proposed as treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite their clinical promise, the molecular, cellular, and neural-circuit mechanisms by which they alleviate PTSD symptoms remain poorly understood. This position paper from Zervas Scientific Consulting reviews the neurobiological roles and intellectual property considerations for these compounds, aiming to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge to advance effective novel treatment options for patients with PTSD.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
February 23, 2026
Parker Singleton, Brooke L. Sevchik
A meta-analytic research domain (MARD) on MDMA therapies for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder has been compiled as part of the Metapsy project. The dataset includes comparisons of MDMA therapy versus control conditions, with effect sizes for outcomes at post-test and long-term follow-ups. Data extraction was performed independently by two researchers, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool (Version 2). This living database was developed by the Synthesis of Psychedelic Research Studies (Sypres) Collaboration.
Translation The University of Toledo Journal of Medical Sciences
February 17, 2026
Amy Hooper, Evelyn K. Lambe
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy shows promise for PTSD, especially when standard treatments like SSRIs and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy have failed. A review of evidence from human and rodent studies examines two main explanations for its effects: a neurobiological model, where MDMA reduces amygdala reactivity, boosts hippocampal connectivity, and alters serotonin and oxytocin signaling to aid fear extinction, memory reconsolidation, and neuroplasticity; and a relational model, where MDMA's prosocial and empathogenic qualities strengthen the therapeutic alliance and patient suggestibility. Rather than being mutually exclusive, these processes likely work together, with MDMA creating a "window of emotional safety" that enables both neurobiological and interpersonal healing. Understanding this dual action is key to refining treatment protocols and therapist training.
Research Square
February 11, 2026
Jack Swain, Davis Carter, Leonardo Vando
Among 374 adults with moderate-to-severe PTSD who completed six sessions of at-home, telehealth-supported ketamine-assisted therapy, PTSD symptoms improved substantially. Mean PCL-5 scores dropped from 51.1 at baseline to 28.3 after session 6, a 44.6% reduction. The clinical response rate was 79.7%, and 60.7% achieved remission. Suicidal ideation resolved completely in 75.9% of those who reported it at baseline. Depression and anxiety scores also declined by about half. Side effects occurred in 4.3% of participants. Controlled trials are needed to confirm causality.
Scientific Reports
February 10, 2026
Michelle Olofsson, Kasim Acar, Otto Simonsson et al.
Lifetime MDMA use was not significantly associated with meaning in life overall, but a significant interaction emerged: among Swedish adults with a history of childhood trauma, those who had ever used MDMA reported higher meaning in life than those who had not. Meaning in life was measured using the presence subscale of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. The findings suggest MDMA use may relate to psychological resilience in trauma-exposed populations, though further longitudinal and experimental research is needed to test causal direction.
Journal of affective disorders
February 2, 2026
Alene Sze Jing Yong, Aimée Freeburn, Suzie Bratuskins et al.
Australia became the first country to allow authorized prescribing of MDMA for PTSD outside clinical trials. Interviews with 21 clinicians, researchers, and patients who had direct experience with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy or PTSD revealed eleven themes, including the importance of expectation management, comprehensive baseline screening, shared decision-making, flexible treatment protocols, ongoing consent, strong therapeutic alliance, and post-treatment continuity of care. The findings emphasize the need for safeguards, provider training, and integration of care as MDMA-assisted psychotherapy enters clinical practice.
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine
February 2, 2026
Vivian Wl Tsang, Tavneet Walia, Katherine Sattler et al.
1 citation
Firefighters face higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population, with an average prevalence of 7.3% compared to 1.3–3.5%. Conventional treatments often show limited effectiveness, and ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) has emerged as a promising option. Interviews with six firefighters enrolled in but not yet started a KAT program revealed four major themes: feeling stuck and reaching a breaking point, stigma surrounding both PTSD and ketamine treatment, the need for self-advocacy to access care, and significant financial and logistical barriers. The findings underscore the need for systemic changes to better support treatment-seeking individuals.