This review (2020, s=9) investigated the therapeutic potential of MDMA, ketamine, LSD, and psilocybin as therapeutic agents for PTSD. However, only studies concerning ketamine and MDMA were found and included in the review, and it is suggested that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy holds moderate promise.

Abstract of Efficacy of Psychoactive Drugs for the Treatment of PTSD

“The aim of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of MDMA, ketamine, LSD, and psilocybin for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A search of four databases for English language, peer-reviewed literature published from inception to 18th October 2019 yielded 2,959 records, 34 of which were screened on full-text. Observational studies and RCTs which tested the efficacy of MDMA, ketamine, LSD, or psilocybin for reducing PTSD symptoms in adults, and reported changes to PTSD diagnosis or symptomatology, were included. Nine trials (five ketamine and four MDMA) met inclusion criteria. Trials were rated on a quality and bias checklist and GRADE was used to rank the evidence. The evidence for ketamine as a stand-alone treatment for comorbid PTSD and depression was ranked “very low”, and the evidence for ketamine in combination with psychotherapy as a PTSD treatment was ranked “low”. The evidence for MDMA in combination with psychotherapy as a PTSD treatment was ranked “moderate”.”

Authors: Tracey Varker, Loretta Watson, Kari Gibson, David Forbes & Meaghan L. O’Donnell

Summary of Efficacy of Psychoactive Drugs for the Treatment of PTSD

Current treatment guidelines support the use of trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as first-line treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, non-response rates are high, and a clear need remains for continued investigation of new or combination treatments for PTSD.

Ketamine, a drug with hallucinogenic and psychedelic properties, has been used in treating psychiatric disorders and has been shown to reverse the effects of chronic stress on the pre-frontal cortex and hippocampus.

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Find this paper

Efficacy of Psychoactive Drugs for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of MDMA, Ketamine, LSD and Psilocybin

https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2020.1817639

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Cite this paper (APA)

Varker, T., Watson, L., Gibson, K., Forbes, D., & O’Donnell, M. L. (2021). Efficacy of psychoactive drugs for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review of MDMA, ketamine, LSD and psilocybin. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 53(1), 85-95.

Study details

Compounds studied
MDMA Psilocybin LSD Ketamine

Topics studied
PTSD

Study characteristics
Literature Review