Introduction
MDMA. A substance synonymous with rave culture and drug trafficking, but now has a new potential use, as a treatment option for PTSD. This condition, which is caused by one experiencing a traumatizing experience, is faced at one point in life by up to 14 percent (1) of the US population. Although MDMA has been identified to assist psychotherapists involved in PTSD treatment, it remains a controlled substance in the US. Clinical studies were approved by the DEA and FDA last year, but only few studies are approved each year . The usage of MDMA also has a negative perception in the general public, who views the drug as one for partying and doing recreationally making it less desirable as a drug used for treatment (13). Although science …show more content…
It is a psychoactive (affecting the brain) drug, and affects a user by stimulating effects of euphoria and pleasure (3). According to the Michael Mithoefer, a psychiatrist on the forefront of MDMA clinical studies, these effects allow a patient open about their traumatizing memories, allowing a therapist to examine what is the root issue triggering the PTSD. This leads to an effective and efficient approach to aiding in those who suffer from the disease, allowing for a better treatment than what is currently available for those who suffer from …show more content…
For instance, MAPS made a statement last year when reporting their results, stating “ Non-subtle consequences of neurotoxicity, if there actually are going to be any, might take at least fifteen or twenty years of use to develop”(11). Although there is a possible risk associated with the neurotoxicity, researchers in current studies see no negative short term effects from MDMA, allowing research to continue.
MDMA is a more promising PTSD cure when compared to the current
MDMA. A substance synonymous with rave culture and drug trafficking, but now has a new potential use, as a treatment option for PTSD. This condition, which is caused by one experiencing a traumatizing experience, is faced at one point in life by up to 14 percent (1) of the US population. Although MDMA has been identified to assist psychotherapists involved in PTSD treatment, it remains a controlled substance in the US. Clinical studies were approved by the DEA and FDA last year, but only few studies are approved each year . The usage of MDMA also has a negative perception in the general public, who views the drug as one for partying and doing recreationally making it less desirable as a drug used for treatment (13). Although science …show more content…
It is a psychoactive (affecting the brain) drug, and affects a user by stimulating effects of euphoria and pleasure (3). According to the Michael Mithoefer, a psychiatrist on the forefront of MDMA clinical studies, these effects allow a patient open about their traumatizing memories, allowing a therapist to examine what is the root issue triggering the PTSD. This leads to an effective and efficient approach to aiding in those who suffer from the disease, allowing for a better treatment than what is currently available for those who suffer from …show more content…
For instance, MAPS made a statement last year when reporting their results, stating “ Non-subtle consequences of neurotoxicity, if there actually are going to be any, might take at least fifteen or twenty years of use to develop”(11). Although there is a possible risk associated with the neurotoxicity, researchers in current studies see no negative short term effects from MDMA, allowing research to continue.
MDMA is a more promising PTSD cure when compared to the current