Relational and Growth Outcomes Following Couples Therapy With MDMA for PTSD.
Anne C Wagner, Rachel E Liebman, Ann T Mithoefer, Michael C Mithoefer, Candice M Monson
Frontiers in psychiatry January 1, 2021 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.702838 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractHealing from trauma happens in relationships, and PTSD affects more than just the diagnosed individual. In a pilot trial of Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for PTSD combined with two MDMA psychotherapy sessions, six romantic couples where one partner had PTSD showed improvements across multiple areas. Both partners reported increases in post-traumatic growth, relational support, and social intimacy. Partners also reported less behavioral accommodation and conflict, while patients with PTSD reported better psychosocial functioning and empathic concern. These gains lasted through a 6-month follow-up. The findings suggest that combining CBCT with MDMA can improve relational and growth outcomes, supporting a dyadic approach to holistic trauma recovery.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pilot trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 6 |
| Population | Romantic dyads where one partner had PTSD |
| Intervention | MDMA psychotherapy sessions |
| Duration | 6-month follow-up |
| Topics | MDMA PTSD |
| Keywords | Interpersonal functioning Post-traumatic growth MDMA Therapy: MDMA MDMA-Assisted Therapy Innovative treatment |
| Citations | 40 |
| Key finding | Combining CBCT for PTSD with MDMA psychotherapy sessions led to sustained improvements in post-traumatic growth, relational support, social intimacy, and reduced conflict for both partners. |
Abstract
Healing from trauma occurs in a relational context, and the impacts of traumatic experiences that result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) go beyond the diagnosis itself. To fully understand a treatment for PTSD, understanding its impact on interpersonal, relational, and growth outcomes yields a more fulsome picture of the effects of the treatment. The current paper examines these secondary outcomes of a pilot trial of Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for PTSD with MDMA. Six romantic dyads, where one partner had PTSD, undertook a course of treatment combining CBCT for PTSD with two MDMA psychotherapy sessions. Outcomes were assessed at mid-treatment, post-treatment, and 3- and 6-month follow-up. Both partners reported improvements in post-traumatic growth, relational support, and social intimacy. Partners reported reduced behavioral accommodation and conflict in the relationship, and patients with PTSD reported improved psychosocial functioning and empathic concern. These improvements were maintained throughout the follow-up period. These findings suggest that CBCT for PTSD with MDMA has significant effect on relational and growth outcomes in this pilot sample. Improvements in these domains is central to a holistic recovery from traumatic experiences, and lends support to the utility of treating PTSD dyadically.