The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
October 28, 2021
K W Smith, Dakota Sicignano, Adrían V. Hernández et al.
136 citations
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy reduces PTSD symptoms more than control therapy. Patients receiving MDMA showed a greater reduction in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale scores (difference of –22.03; 95% CI, –38.53 to –5.52) and were 3.65 times more likely to achieve clinically significant symptom reductions (95% CI, 2.39–5.57). They were also 2.10 times more likely to no longer meet PTSD criteria (95% CI, 1.37–3.21). Common side effects include bruxism, anxiety, jitteriness, headache, and nausea. The therapy is generally safe and well tolerated, but unregulated MDMA or use outside a controlled therapeutic setting carries considerable risks.
Current medical research and opinion
February 1, 2024
Dakota Sicignano, Adrian V Hernandez, Benjamin Schiff et al.
19 citations
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that psychedelics, including LSD, increased the odds of patients with alcohol use disorder achieving abstinence or substantially reducing drinking compared to placebo. In double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, LSD (3 trials) produced an odds ratio of 1.99, and any psychedelic (4 trials) produced an odds ratio of 2.16. When including less rigorous controlled trials, the positive effect persisted. However, four of six trials had a high risk of bias and other methodological issues. One trial reported suicidal ideation and transient blood pressure increases, highlighting unresolved safety concerns. The evidence is promising but too weak for definitive conclusions; more rigorous trials are needed.
Annals of Pharmacotherapy
January 12, 2023
C Michael White, Nissen Weisman, Joseph Dalo
18 citations
Psychedelics may reduce anxiety and depression in patients with cancer, based on five randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Two trials showed significant reductions in anxiety on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and one trial found reductions on two additional anxiety scales. Two trials reported significant reductions in depression on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Beck Depression Inventory, and one trial found reductions on another depression scale. Clinically relevant improvements were more common in psychedelic-treated patients than placebo. Benefits may last 6 to 12 months, but studies were small, had methodological limitations, and included increased blood pressure and heart rate.