Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder
08:20

MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder

Published on: August 11, 2015

A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (± 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for

Peter Oehen1, Rafael Traber, Verena Widmer

  • 1peter.oehen@hin.ch

Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|November 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy shows promise for treating PTSD, with significant self-reported improvements and no serious adverse events. Three sessions were more effective than two for trauma recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) was historically used by psychiatrists and psychotherapists to enhance psychotherapy.
  • Early research indicated MDMA's potential utility in treating trauma-related disorders.
  • Recent studies are exploring MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in patients with treatment-resistant PTSD.
  • To compare low-dose versus full-dose MDMA administration within a psychotherapy framework.
  • To assess outcomes using standardized clinical and self-report measures.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, active-placebo controlled trial involving 12 patients with treatment-resistant PTSD.
  • MDMA administration during three experimental sessions, combined with weekly non-drug psychotherapy.
  • Assessment using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) at baseline, end of treatment, and 2-month/1-year follow-ups.

Main Results:

  • MDMA-assisted psychotherapy was safely administered, with no drug-related serious adverse events.
  • Statistically significant self-reported improvement (PDS scores, p = 0.014) was observed.
  • While CAPS scores did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.066), they improved further at 1-year follow-up.
  • Three MDMA sessions demonstrated greater effectiveness than two (p = 0.016).

Conclusions:

  • MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is a safe treatment modality for PTSD in a clinical setting.
  • The treatment yields significant self-reported improvements in PTSD symptoms.
  • A course of three MDMA-assisted psychotherapy sessions appears more beneficial than two for PTSD treatment.

More Related Videos

Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure08:20

Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure

Published on: January 18, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder01:27

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...