Could MDMA be useful in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder?
Recently researchers have found that MDMA shows promise in psychological therapy and most specifically in the cases of post-traumatic stress disorder. The effects of this drug that make it an attractive supplement to this type of therapy primarily deal with its mood elevating qualities and reduction of fear responses. MDMA raises the levels of serotonin, dopamien and noradrenaline, which cause moods to be elevated, reduces feelings of depression, anxiety and fear. The increased levels of dopamine and noradrenaline also raise awareness and will make the patient more alert. It also increases the recall of state-dependent memories. The reduction of fear response in the amygdala enables the patient to recall stressful events and be able to focus on them intently without experiencing the fearful emotions along with the memory. MDMA has also be proven to increase the release of oxytocin which increases the levels of empathy and closeness. This will allow a patient to be more open in their therapy if they are having any trouble recounting any situations or events from their past.
High levels of MDMA use have been shown to be neurotoxic. Much of the research is of “heavy” users and the levels of use in the therapy are not to the magnitude of the study. The research was also on users of street ecstacy, which has varying levels of MDMA along with other adulterants. Using psychedelic drugs as therapeutic tools is also very controversial and always has been. The historical link to recreational use and abuse of the drug will hinder its ability to merge into mainstream medicine. Currently all research is in its early stages and will be slow to progress due to the control of the substance and the social stigma with it.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pnp.216/pdf
Ben Sessa BSc, MRCPsych