In a clinical setting, individuals who took MDMA reported predominantly positive subjective effects, including enhanced communication, emotional openness, and introspection, with minimal adverse reactions. The drug appeared to facilitate therapeutic processes by reducing fear and defensiveness. Some participants experienced transient anxiety or discomfort, but overall the experience was described as valuable and conducive to personal insight. The authors suggest that MDMA may have potential as an adjunct to psychotherapy when used under controlled conditions.
A therapeutic method using MDMA emphasizes careful attention to the mental state of both therapists and clients and the session environment. The therapists believed MDMA reduces fear responses to emotional threats, helping clients reframe past experiences in their current lives. Clients were screened and prepared until they had a clear purpose and willingness to experience anything that might happen. Medical contraindications were based on MDMA's sympathomimetic effects, and those with serious psychiatric impairments were excluded. Doses of 75-150 mg, with an optional 50 mg later, were given; clients then lay down with eyeshades and headphones listening to music during the peak effect.