With a new designation for ecstasy [sassafras], the US government is finally acknowledging its potential to treat PTSD
At present, it’s difficult to treat PTSD with psychotherapy alone because often the underlying trauma is too difficult for people to relive with a therapist. But previous work suggests that MDMA helps get PTSD patients to a psychological state where they are comfortable working through those memories.
In MAPS-sponsored phase II trial including 107 PTSD patients, three sessions of MDMA and two months of therapy was successful in treating 61% of participants. A follow up conducted a year later showed almost 70% of these patients no longer suffered from symptoms of PTSD. The proposed [and FDA approved] phase III clinical trials would compare the effects of three guided MDMA sessions in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat patients with PTSD compared to a control group that receives psychotherapy with a placebo. With adequate funding, these trials could begin as early as next spring and conclude in the next two years. Without it, the group won’t be able to pay for the hours of work required from therapists, data managers, and research site coordinators to conduct the trial.
Original Article (Qz.com):
With a new designation for ecstasy, the US government is finally acknowledging its potential to treat PTSD
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