A randomized controlled trial tested MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety in people with life-threatening illnesses. Participants received either MDMA (125 mg) or placebo during two 8-hour psychotherapy sessions. At one month after the second session, the MDMA group showed a greater average reduction in anxiety scores (23.5 points) compared to the placebo group (8.8 points), but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The treatment was well tolerated. After the trial, all participants received open-label MDMA sessions. These preliminary results suggest MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may be a promising approach, but larger trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) shows promise for treating adolescent mental disorders, though research is early. Four adolescents aged 14–19 with treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, anxiety, panic, and trauma-related symptoms received sublingual ketamine followed by intramuscular ketamine. Each had symptomatic and functional improvements, and the treatment was well-tolerated. Rapid resolution of symptoms often occurs within months but is not inevitable. Family involvement appears essential to success. This modality may expand psychiatric treatment options.