Frontiers in Psychiatry
October 26, 2022
Tor-Morten Kvam, Ivar W Goksøyr, Lowan H. Stewart et al.
11 citations
A proof-of-principle, open-label clinical trial will test MDMA-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder. Twelve participants with a DSM-5 diagnosis of MDD will receive a flexible dose of MDMA during two dosing sessions over four weeks, each followed by three integration sessions. The primary outcome is change in depression severity measured by the MADRS scale from baseline to eight weeks after the second session. Secondary outcomes include functional impairment and safety measures such as adverse events and suicidality. The trial aims to inform larger studies and optimize the treatment protocol.
The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science
July 11, 2025
Tor-Morten Kvam, Ivar W Goksøyr, Justyna Rog et al.
6 citations
In an open-label study of twelve adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder, two sessions of MDMA-assisted therapy one month apart, combined with psychotherapy, led to a substantial average reduction of 19.3 points on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and an average decrease of 11.7 points on the Sheehan Disability Scale, indicating improved daily functioning. No serious or unexpected adverse events occurred. The results suggest the approach is safe and feasible, with strong indications of efficacy, though randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
June 10, 2025
Torsten Passie, Anja Loizaga-Velder, Alicia Danforth et al.
4 citations
A consensus-based model curriculum for education and training in substance-assisted psychotherapy (SAP) covers theoretical topics and practical components including apprenticeship observation, ongoing clinical supervision, and self-experience for trainees. The model, developed by authors with extensive SAP experience, also addresses peer and conventional supervision, respect for intercultural differences, and teachings about indigenous use of related substances. It is largely adapted to western industrialized countries with established graduate-level psychotherapy training. The curriculum may be valuable for psychedelic researchers, those training therapists for research studies, and those preparing for clinical work outside research settings.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
November 27, 2025
Tor-Morten Kvam, Ivar W Goksøyr, Joanna Róg et al.
3 citations
In a small long-term follow-up of twelve people with major depressive disorder, MDMA-assisted therapy—two MDMA dosing sessions combined with nine psychotherapy sessions—led to sustained reductions in depression severity and disability seven months after baseline. Depression scores on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and disability scores on the Sheehan Disability Scale remained significantly lower than before treatment, with no significant changes from the immediate post-treatment visit. Suicidal ideation did not exceed pre-study levels. The results suggest lasting treatment effects and safety, though the authors call for larger controlled trials to confirm these preliminary findings.