Study of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted Psychotherapy in People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

This study examines MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in individuals aged 18 years or older diagnosed with PTSD, with PTSD symptoms not improving after trying at least one treatment.

The objective of this study is to determine whether three eight-hour long sessions of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, scheduled three to five weeks apart, can be safely administered to participants with PTSD, and whether combining a fully therapeutic dose of MDMA with psychotherapy, when compared with a low (“active placebo”) dose of MDMA, will reduce PTSD symptoms.

Topic PTSD
Compound MDMA
Country Switzerland
Visit trial
Status Completed
Results Published Yes
Start date 10 January 2006
End date 02 February 2011
Chance of happening 100%
Phase Phase II
Design Open
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 14
Sex All
Age 18- 99
Therapy Yes

Trial Details

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after experiencing a traumatic event or events. PTSD is a public health problem that causes a great deal of suffering. This study will examine MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in individuals aged 18 years or older diagnosed with PTSD, with PTSD symptoms not improving after trying at least one treatment. This objective of this study is to determine whether three eight-hour long sessions of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, scheduled three to five weeks apart, can be safely administered to participants with PTSD, and whether combining a fully therapeutic dose of MDMA with psychotherapy, when compared with a low ("active placebo") dose of MDMA, will reduce PTSD symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the full dose of MDMA (125 mg) or assigned to receive a low or "active placebo" dose of MDMA (25 mg) during each of three experimental sessions. People who receive the low dose of MDMA have the opportunity to take part in a second "open label" study continuation, wherein the participants will undergo three MDMA-assisted sessions, with the participant and the researchers knowing that a full dose of MDMA is being administered. People who receive the full dose of MDMA, and any person who received low-dose MDMA and does not undergo the open-label study continuation will have PTSD symptoms measured six and twelve months after the third session. People who take part in the open label study continuation have their PTSD symptoms assessed six and 12 months after the third Phase II MDMA-assisted session.

NCT Number NCT00353938

Sponsors & Collaborators

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.

Swiss Medical Association for Psycholytic Therapy
This company doesn't have a full profile yet, it is linked to a clinical trial.

Papers

Discontinuation of medications classified as reuptake inhibitors affects treatment response of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy
A pooled analysis of participants (n=50) in Phase II MDMA trials for PTSD found that recent tapering off SSRIs may reduce treatment response (CAPS-IV score).

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD: study design and rationale for phase 3 trials based on pooled analysis of six phase 2 randomized controlled trials
This pooled analysis (n=105; s=6) of MAPS' Phase II trials finds significant improvements (Cohen's d=0.8) and no significant adverse effects with MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. This analysis has been done to support starting the Phase III trials (which have taken place).

A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)- assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Three doses of MDMA (125mg) showed the most promise in this pilot study (n=12) of MDMA psychotherapy for PTSD. The CAPS score (PTSD measure) was just shy of significance, self-reported improvement was significant.

Long-term Follow-Up Outcomes of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of PTSD: A Longitudinal Pooled Analysis of Six Phase 2 Trials
This long-term follow-up study (n=107) examines the effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on PTSD symptoms. It finds a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms both at treatment exit and at least 12 months post-treatment, with 67% of participants no longer meeting PTSD criteria at long-term follow-up.

Data attribution

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