A study has found that the psychedelic drug MDMA, combined with talk therapy, can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The psychedelic drug MDMA can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, researchers reported in a new study published Thursday.

The company sponsoring the research said it plans later this year to seek U.S. approval to market the drug, also known as ecstasy, as a PTSD treatment when combined with talk therapy.

“It’s the first innovation in PTSD treatment in more than two decades. And it’s significant because I think it will also open up other innovation,” said Amy Emerson, CEO of MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, the research sponsor.

  • Flying Squid
    20•10 months ago

    How many studies have we seen over the years that psychedelics help with all sorts of mental illness and trauma? And there’s a couple of states where just mushrooms are decriminalized. It’s ridiculous. It’s dangerous. Our drug laws need substantial revision.

    Fine, you don’t think MDMA should be available to the general public. At least let psychiatrists decide whether or not to prescribe it.

    • eric
      4•10 months ago

      Anyone else find it weird that MDMA is considered a paychedelic? Its effects have never seemed similar to other psychedelic drugs to me.

    • @Anamana@feddit.de
      4•10 months ago

      I think your last sentence is super important. We shouldn’t exclude a pharmaceutical option, just because the general public perceives it as dangerous. As long as science and doctors greenlight it, we should have it as an option.

      • @treefrog@lemm.ee
        3•10 months ago

        Not really.

        A drug war that criminalized medicine that Dr’s where researching and that people were enjoying for both personal exploration and recreation is the opposite end of the spectrum.