A proposed mechanism for the MDMA-mediated extinction of traumatic memories in PTSD patients treated with MDMA-assisted therapy
Frontiers in Psychiatry October 12, 2022 Robert J Sottile, Thomas Vida 30 citations
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects millions worldwide, with 40–70% of patients experiencing refractory disease despite available treatments. MDMA, like classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, has been used to enhance psychotherapy since its discovery, but research into its mechanisms has been limited due to its Schedule 1 classification. The pro-social effects of MDMA are thought to improve therapeutic alliance and facilitate trauma processing, but this may not fully explain its efficacy. A more nuanced explanation combines MDMA's pro-social effects with molecular mechanisms, such as increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) availability in fear memory learning pathways, potentially accounting for its therapeutic actions in PTSD.