Drug Could Prove Beneficial for Individuals Suffering with PTSD and ASD
MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy or Molly, is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. The drug is currently illegal but has recently taken an important step forward towards medical approval. A recent Phase 3 trial demonstrated that MDMA can deliver significant relief to those suffering with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when paired with talk therapy. A total of 90 people took part in this important trial. The study’s participants who received the drug during therapy experienced a remarkably greater reduction in the severity of their PTSD symptoms compared to the participants who received therapy and an inactive placebo. After two months post treatment, an astounding 67% of the MDMA exposed group no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis. In comparison, only 32% of the placebo group lost their diagnosis. No serious side effects were experienced during this Phase 3 trial. The study’s lead author has noted that the drug is different from traditional pharmaceuticals which often merely dull the symptoms of PTSD. Instead, when MDMA is combined with talk therapy, this combination allows the brain to process painful memories and heal itself. Another one of the study’s authors has stated succinctly, “It’s not the drug–it’s the therapy enhanced by the drug.” Since PTSD and autism can be comorbid, mental health experts are hopeful that MDMA could help treat social anxiety in adults with autism. MDMA isn’t the only psychedelic drug that shows promise for future autism treatments, psilocybin is also being studied. In fact, psilocybin and MDMA are now being referred to as a “psychedelic revolution” and “the hottest new therapeutics since Prozac.”
