MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD shows promise in clinical trials, with the FDA granting breakthrough therapy designation based on earlier results. The treatment combines MDMA's pharmacological effects—enhancing fear extinction, increasing oxytocin and trust, and reducing amygdala reactivity—with specific psychotherapeutic methods. If ongoing phase 3 trials meet efficacy criteria, FDA approval could come as early as 2022. The article reviews mechanisms of action, therapeutic rationale, and potential dangers of this approach, which revisits a previously banned psychoactive substance to address the limited effectiveness of current PTSD treatments.
MDMA is commonly used worldwide, but little is known about recreational users' demographics and health. A survey of 304 Polish adults who use MDMA found the drug is widespread among young adults across genders and places of residence. Users take MDMA in pill or crystal form, rarely test drugs from dealers, and most feel MDMA has positively affected their lives. MDMA is seldom used alone; users rate their health higher than those using other psychoactive substances.