Changes in trauma symptoms of discrimination after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder.

A small preliminary study of five diverse individuals found that MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduced trauma symptoms related to discrimination. Scores on the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale dropped by an average of 38% after treatment, a large effect. All participants, who had experienced multiple forms of discrimination including gender, racial, and sexual orientation bias, reported marked improvement. The results suggest MDMA-assisted therapy may help alleviate discrimination-related trauma in marginalized populations, though the small sample size calls for cautious interpretation and further research with larger, more diverse groups.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This preliminary study explored the effects of MDMA-assisted therapy on trauma symptoms related to discrimination, as measured by the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS). A total of five diverse participants, who experienced multiple types of discrimination (e.g., gender, racial/ethnic, social class, age, sexual orientation), were assessed before and after treatment. A paired-samples t-test indicated a significant reduction in TSDS scores following therapy, with mean scores decreasing by 38% (t(4) = 2.85, p = .046). The effect size was large (Cohen's d = 1.28), though this estimate should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size. All participants reported marked improvements in discrimination related trauma symptoms following MDMA-assisted therapy in this sample, and across different racial/ethnic identities and discrimination histories. These findings provide preliminary evidence that MDMA-assisted therapy may effectively alleviate discrimination-related trauma in marginalized populations. We discuss the importance of culturally-informed treatment approaches for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. These early results warrant further investigation in larger, more diverse cohorts.