Perceived Benefits of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy beyond Symptom Reduction: Qualitative Follow-Up Study of a Clinical Trial for Individuals with Treatment-Resistant PTSD
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 8, 2019 William P. Barone, Jerome Beck, Michiko Mitsunaga-Whitten et al. 63 citations
In a long-term follow-up of a phase 2 clinical trial, veterans, firefighters, and police officers with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD reported lasting personal benefits and enhanced quality of life one year after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Interviews with 19 of 24 participants were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. All participants described benefits that went beyond symptom reduction, such as improved relationships and well-being. The findings suggest that qualitative methods can capture treatment effects that standard symptom scales may miss. The authors discuss limitations of the study and recommend improved qualitative research protocols for future trials.