6 papers in the library · 123 citations · publishing 2021-2026
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science May 4, 2021 James W. Sanders, Josjan Zijlmans 94 citations
The mysticism framework, often used to characterize psychedelic experiences and explain therapeutic outcomes, carries risks because it is tied to supernatural or nonempirical belief systems. The authors encourage researchers to adopt a demystified model of the psychedelic state to mitigate these risks.
European child & adolescent psychiatry November 1, 2024 Samuli Kangaslampi, Josjan Zijlmans 18 citations
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) may soon be approved for adults with PTSD, but adolescents also commonly suffer from PTSD and current treatments have limitations. As an adjunct to therapy, MDMA may reduce avoidance, strengthen therapeutic alliance, enhance extinction learning and trauma reappraisal. Adaptations for adolescents include reinforcing motivation, building a strong therapeutic alliance, adding emotion and behavior management techniques, using more directive exposure methods during sessions, supporting concomitant challenges, and involving family. Potential risks include physical and psychological side effects, toxicity, misuse, and ethical issues. Clinical trials are needed to determine safety and efficacy for adolescents rather than off-label use or extrapolating from adult studies.
European journal of psychotraumatology January 1, 2024 Jerome Herpers, Natalie Maximets, Noah N N van Dongen et al. 7 citations
Experts in MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD overwhelmingly endorse the need for training, standardization, equity, and access, while identifying impediments in national approval processes and anticipating spill-over effects in clinical settings. A survey of 68 researchers and clinicians worldwide gathered opinions on clinical practices, training, and regulation. The findings call for science-informed policy development, active regulatory involvement, and international cooperation to incorporate MDMA-assisted therapy into European mental healthcare, particularly for PTSD treatment.
Drug Science, Policy and Law January 1, 2023 Anoek S Van Vugt, Josjan Zijlmans, Ramon Lindauer et al. 2 citations
Adolescents, parents, and clinicians initially held unfavorable views of MDMA, but after a standardized explanation of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, all but one participant supported exploring this treatment for adolescents with PTSD. The study used focus groups with 9 trauma-exposed adolescents and young adults, 4 parents of traumatized children, and 6 trauma clinicians. All groups emphasized the need for further research before clinical trials. The findings suggest that providing clear information can shift attitudes toward openness to MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a potential treatment for adolescent PTSD.
Samuli Kangaslampi, Josjan Zijlmans 2 citations preprint
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) is being considered as a treatment for PTSD in adults and may soon be approved. PTSD is also common in adolescents, and existing treatments are often insufficient. This paper argues that MDMA-AP holds potential for adolescents with PTSD by reducing avoidance, strengthening the therapeutic alliance, and enhancing trauma processing. The authors suggest adaptations for adolescents, including reinforcing motivation, involving family, and using more directive exposure methods. They also discuss risks such as side effects, toxicity, misuse, and ethical concerns. They conclude that clinical trials are needed to determine safety and effectiveness for adolescents, rather than relying on off-label use or extrapolating from adult studies.
January 30, 2026 Makaela Weeda, Valeria Gazzola, Christian Keysers et al. preprint
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, shows promise for treating mental disorders, but its therapeutic use remains unapproved partly because its neurobiological effects are not well understood. This review examines MDMA's effects on social behavior in humans and animals, focusing on empathy. The authors summarize current knowledge of the pharmacological and neurobiological mechanisms and brain circuits involved in MDMA's influence on social behavior, noting that scientific data on its social effects are ambiguous.