MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: The Devil Is in the Detail
December 27, 2022 DOI: 10.64239/pi-qt4603
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA randomized trial testing MDMA combined with psychotherapy for PTSD reported a large effect (0.9) over placebo plus the same therapy, but the blinding in that study nearly completely failed. Widespread public advocacy for psychedelics as therapy aids is generating a strong positivity bias that is compromising research quality and outcomes. A recent review therefore urges caution in interpreting existing studies on MDMA for PTSD.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Randomized |
|---|---|
| Key finding | A review urges caution in interpreting studies of MDMA for PTSD due to failed blinding and a positivity bias from public advocacy. |
Abstract
A randomized trial of MDMA as an adjunct to psychotherapy for PTSD found it superior to placebo plus the same manualized therapy (effect size 0.9). However, the blinding in that study almost completely failed. Vocal public advocacy for psychedelics as adjuncts to psychotherapy is creating an environment of high positivity bias that is affecting research quality and results. Thus, a recent review article urges caution regarding interpretation of studies so far regarding MDMA in the treatment of PTSD.