3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) - Assisted psychotherapy for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: Literature review
Romanian Journal of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy March 31, 2020 Tiberiu Constantin Ionescu, Ionut-Stelian Popa, Alin Chiriac et al.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric condition that can become chronic and disabling. Psychotherapy is currently one of the most effective treatments, but incomplete responses and frequent relapses prompt the search for alternatives. This review examined 33 scientific articles on combining psychotherapy with MDMA for PTSD. The studies fell into two categories: those testing whether MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is useful for PTSD and those exploring the mechanisms behind the combination. The potential therapeutic effect of MDMA, especially with psychotherapy, raises controversies, limitations, and opportunities. Few advanced-stage studies exist, and the substance's addictive potential and current controversies limit its use, though ongoing research may make it a valid future option.