PTSD and Ecstasy Treatment

          On the 21^stof January, Amy A. Herrold presented her work on the relationship between PTSD in veterans and the use of alcohol. She focused on veterans as her test subjects as they commonly suffer from PTSD. Her studies displayed the heightened level of alcohol cravings in these individuals that have returned from war. 

          After reflecting upon this study and the fact that alcohol is classified as a depressant, I was curious to see if a stimulant drug would produce a different effect. I came across an article that focuses on the effects of MDMA, otherwise known as ecstasy, that was used as a treatment for patients with PTSD. This article, titled “PTSD and Ecstasy: Science and Perception” was published in Psychology Today, describing the work of Michael Mithoefer. 

          PTSD is a mental health disorder that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event in their life. They may suffer from anxiety, depression, or a multitude of other similar disorders. Common treatments consist of antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication, but some individuals have not received the level of alleviation desired and still struggle with their disorder on daily basis. 

          Mithoefer gathered 26 individuals suffering from PTSD and separated them into three groups that varied based on MDMA dosage: 30mg, 75mg, 125mg. These individuals also were subjected to psychotherapy sessions post MDMA treatment. In addition, subjects were asked to participate in weekly phone calls to evaluate their treatment and progress. Upon evaluating the data collected, it appeared that the subjects that were given the two highest doses of MDMA experienced a dramatic decrease in symptoms. Out of the 26 subjects, 24 individuals remained in the study throughout its entirety and did not experience any serious side effects. 

          While the details concerning the means of MDMA’s effects are unclear, research has explained the serotonergic activity that occurs within the brain. Combined with psychotherapy, MDMA has shown very positive effects on treating patients with PTSD. While it remains that more testing needs to be conducted, this study presents a fascinating discovery about the use of this psychedelic drug. This study could provide a life changing treatment to those who are battling with PTSD and give them the opportunity to gain their lives back. 

PTSD and Ecstasy 

Rubin M.D., Ph.D, Eugene (2018, October 3). PTSD and Ecstasy: Science and Perception. 

          Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/demystifying

          psychiatry/201810/ptsd-and-ecstasy-science-and-perception

PTSD and Alcohol

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rhxnm57kzz7zywo/neuro300_syllabus_Spring20.pdf?dl=0