The Drug Enforcement Administration classified MDMA (Ecstasy) as a Schedule I controlled substance in 1985 amid controversy over its potential as a psychotherapy aid and broader debates on regulating designer drugs. The authors review literature on MDMA and its chemical predecessor MDA, which differs by one methyl group, examining the evidence behind the scheduling decision.
Psilocybin rapidly reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms in cancer patients, though the effect on depression was not sustained at two weeks. Based on two randomized controlled trials, a network meta-analysis found that Beck Depression Inventory scores improved one day after administration but not at follow-up. State anxiety scores showed substantial reductions both at one day and two weeks; trait anxiety scores also improved at both time points. The highest dose tested (0.3 mg/kg) was the most effective. The small number of trials limits confidence in the findings, and larger, high-quality studies are needed.