MDMA for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

MDMA is the active substance that can be found in the drug known by its street name ecstasy. Even if this is an illegal drug, known to have unwanted effects on the brain, when abused or used for a prolonged time, recent MDMA information shows that this drug may have a positive role in fighting PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Positive MDMA Effects

An interesting fact about MDMA recently discovered by researchers working in the field of psychotherapy is that the active ingredient in the drug known for its unique property of releasing natural antidepressant in the brain can reduce the fear response in patients that have suffered a trauma and are affected by PTSD. Studies have been conducted on small groups so far, but the results are encouraging, entitling psychotherapists to claim that MDMA can be the answer sought for many years as treatment for patients with PTSD.

How Does MDMA Work For PTSD Patients

Used as a recreational drug, MDMA has the property of stimulating the production of serotonin in the brain, which is the natural antidepressant the human body is able to produce. Street names for MDMA include the nickname ‘love drug’ because the users feel more in touch with themselves and more able to forgive and love themselves. These are the MDMA effects that psychotherapists tried to seize during their research, and it seems that they are on the right path. Because general MDMA information shows that ecstasy makes the user feel fewer inhibitions, the drug is actually able to intensify the emotions felt, and let them flow. PTSD patients usually undergo psychotherapy sessions during which they need to revisit their traumatic experiences in order to be able to heal. Because the fear response in these people is very intense, they rarely can revive the events that caused them extreme suffering, and they become emotionally numb during these sessions, which leads to fail of the therapy altogether. When administered MDMA, because of the increased flow of natural antidepressant, patients feel less fear, and they start to get in touch with their emotions. Painful emotions are also inhibited and reviving the traumatizing episode is made possible.

MDMA – The New Hope

What makes researchers even more excited about MDMA effects on PTSD patients is the fact that the active ingredient in ecstasy seems to work in severe cases that could not be solved for many years. The release of natural antidepressant is not only beneficial, but also seems to trigger desired responses, which means that psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can take a new turn. While some may think that only people fighting in overseas wars are affected by PTSD, the truth is the number of patients is far greater, as traumatizing episodes do not limit to war scenes.

What’s Next

In order for MDMA to become an approved method of treating PTSD patients, there are safety issues that must be addressed. Recent MDMA information points out researchers have received a preliminary approval from the Food and Drugs Administration to use MDMA in treating these patients, but there is still a long way to go.