The scientists have released the latest of several small studies showing that MDMA when combined with talking therapies, could reduce PTSD symptoms, The Guardian reported.
A new study showed that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine — known as MDMA — could be given to people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to relieve their symptoms, said Dr Allison Feduccia, co-author of the research by the MAPS Public Benefit Corporation.
The new study was published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry, the researchers believe that MDMA might help augment the psychotherapeutic experiences and may have a role to play in the future treatment of PTSD. According to Dr Allison,
“However, we would certainly not recommend that individuals try these drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders without the support from trained psychotherapists,”
she said.
The proven effectiveness of Alison’s research amazed her colleague Prof David Nutt, director of the neuropsychopharmacology unit at Imperial College London who is using of MDMA for alcoholism following trauma, called the research a very significant development.
“It could revolutionise the treatment of PTSD, for which there has been almost no progress in the past 20 years,”
he said about the research, 68% of its patients in the two higher-dose groups were no longer diagnosed with PTSD, compared to just 29% of the lowest-dose group. After a year, 67% of all 26 participants no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis. Those who did still experienced a reduction in their symptoms.
Despite the proven results of MDMA’s using, Professors Andrea Cipriani and Philip Cowen, from Oxford University, said recreational use of the drug raises safety concerns, including fatal toxicity and brain damage.
