This case study (2022), documented improvements in PTSD symptoms and carried out an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of the effects and mechanisms of a participant of colour from an open-label trial of MDMA-assisted therapy (AT) for PTSD to provide a culturally-informed lens of symptoms recovery. Recommendations for attuning to culturally relevant material during MDMA-AT were provided.

Abstract

“MDMA (±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) was shown in previous clinical trials to have promising efficacy and safety for alleviating treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, due to low ethnoracial diversity, the question remains as to whether ethnoracial minority participants would benefit similarly. Thus, a mixed-methods case study was conducted on a participant of colour from an open-label trial of MDMA-AT for PTSD to provide a culturally-informed lens on symptom recovery with this treatment approach. An additional aim was to elucidate mechanisms of change underlying this treatment for the participant. A case profile was provided, documenting quantitative improvement in PTSD symptoms. This was followed by an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of effects and mechanisms of action for this participant, based on integration session transcripts. Results of IPA indicated recurrent themes related to psychological mechanisms of symptom change, reduced PTSD symptoms, and additional effects (positive and negative) beyond PTSD symptom reduction. These themes were discussed and recommendations for attuning to culturally relevant material during MDMA-AT were provided.”

Authors: Terence H. W. Ching, Monnica T. Williams, Sara J. Reed, Michael D. Kisicki, Julie B. Wang, Berra Yazar-Klosinski, Amy Emerson & Rick Doblin

Summary of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of a Participant of Color From an Open-Label Trial

Introduction

MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) has been shown to reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to placebo/control dose conditions at study termination and in an open-label sample at 12-month follow-up.

MDMA-AT may improve psychological mechanisms of PTSD, including enhanced emotion regulation, trust and connectedness, discovery of insights about past trauma(s), and self-compassion. Participants may also report improved interpersonal relationships, increased engagement in new activities, and reduced reliance on problematic substance use to cope with residual PTSD symptoms.

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Find this paper

MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of a Participant of Color From an Open-Label Trial

https://doi.org/10.1177%2F00221678221076993

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Study details

Compounds studied
MDMA

Topics studied
PTSD Equity and Ethics

Study characteristics
Case Study

Participants
1 Humans

Authors

Authors associated with this publication with profiles on Blossom

Rick Doblin
Rick Doblin Ph.D. is the founder of MAPS. His persistent work since 1986 has been one of the main drivers behind why psychedelics (including MDMA) are now coming back to therapy.

Institutes

Institutes associated with this publication

MAPS
MAPS stands for Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, it's the front runner in making psychedelics a legal way to use (and improve) in therapy.