Though it’s not a classic psychedelic, MDMA (commonly known as molly or ecstasy) has psychoactive effects that also show promise as medical treatment. The drug promotes feelings of safety and empathy, both of which can be beneficial for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In one study, researchers tested MDMA-assisted therapy among military personnel and first responders with PTSD who had not been helped with other treatments. After two sessions, a majority had marked reductions in symptoms (Mithoefer, M.C., et al., The Lancet Psychiatry, Vol. 5, No. 6, 2018).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted breakthrough status to MDMA for treating PTSD, and phase 3 trials are now underway to test it in a larger population. Some researchers are also investigating the drug for other uses. In a pilot study, Charles Grob, MD, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and colleagues found that MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduced symptoms of social anxiety in young adults with autism for at least six months after treatment (Danforth, A.L., et al., Psychopharmacologyopens in new window, Vol. 235, No. 11, 2018).
“MDMA facilitates dialogue and interaction,” Grob explains. “When taken alongside a skilled therapist, individuals feel they can safely recollect and work through their traumatic experiences.”
