UBCO researcher says ecstasy ‘promising’ for PTSD treatment
KELOWNA – UBC Okanagan researchers took part in an international study which shows that the drug ecstasy may be a useful tool in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.
The research demonstrated notable improvements in individuals who had not responded to previous treatment, according to a UBCO media release.
MDMA, which is also known as ecstasy or Molly, is an illegal synthetic drug made from methylenedioxy-methamphetamine and is classified as a stimulant with hallucinogenic properties.
According to UBCO associate professor of psychology Zach Walsh, PTSD symptoms decreased after one session of MDMA combined with psychotherapy. Further, 54 per cent of participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after two sessions, and the treatment also improved their depression.
“Too many people with PTSD struggle to find effective treatment, and use of MDMA in a supportive environment with trained mental health professionals could be an important addition to our treatment options," Walsh says in the release.
Walsh, as well as researchers in Switzerland, Israel and the United States, performed six clinical trials with 103 individuals with chronic, treatment resistant PTSD with various causes.
The first of two additional clinical trails of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD began recruiting participants in November 2018 and aims for 100 to 150 volunteer across the U.S., Canada and Israel. The second trial will begin following an interim analysis of the first trial data, and will enrol 100 to 150 participants.
Nearly four per cent of people worldwide will suffer from PTSD, a debilitating disorder which can lead to lower quality of life, related mental health conditions and suicidal tendencies.
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