Riaz, K.; Suneel, S.; Hamza Bin Abdul Malik, M.; Kashif, T.; Ullah, I.; Waris, A.; Di Nicola, M.; Mazza, M.; Sani, G.; Martinotti, G.; et al. MDMA-Based Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Narrative Overview of Current Evidence. Diseases 2023, 11, 159, doi:10.3390/diseases11040159.
Riaz, K.; Suneel, S.; Hamza Bin Abdul Malik, M.; Kashif, T.; Ullah, I.; Waris, A.; Di Nicola, M.; Mazza, M.; Sani, G.; Martinotti, G.; et al. MDMA-Based Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Narrative Overview of Current Evidence. Diseases 2023, 11, 159, doi:10.3390/diseases11040159.
Riaz, K.; Suneel, S.; Hamza Bin Abdul Malik, M.; Kashif, T.; Ullah, I.; Waris, A.; Di Nicola, M.; Mazza, M.; Sani, G.; Martinotti, G.; et al. MDMA-Based Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Narrative Overview of Current Evidence. Diseases 2023, 11, 159, doi:10.3390/diseases11040159.
Riaz, K.; Suneel, S.; Hamza Bin Abdul Malik, M.; Kashif, T.; Ullah, I.; Waris, A.; Di Nicola, M.; Mazza, M.; Sani, G.; Martinotti, G.; et al. MDMA-Based Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Narrative Overview of Current Evidence. Diseases 2023, 11, 159, doi:10.3390/diseases11040159.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health disorder that causes significant dysfunction in individuals. Currently, there are many approved Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy treatment options for PTSD, but unfortunately, half of the patients do not respond to traditional therapies. In this article, we reviewed clinical trials and research on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) assisted Psychotherapy in PTSD patients, its pharmacokinetics and current treatment guidelines for PTSD. Based on the results of the efficacy of MDMA assisted Psychotherapy from six phases II Randomized controlled trials. MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD has received the “Breakthrough Therapy” designation from the FDA. MDMA can potentially reduce PTSD symptoms even in treatment-resistant cases by increasing certain neurohormones, i.e. dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and oxytocin. It also modulates activities in the brain regions involved in fear and anxiety. Future research is needed to show whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and whether its use can be integrated into available treatment options for PTSD.
Medicine and Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Mental Health
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