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What Is MDMA, and How Can the Drug Be Used in Psychotherapy?

While it’s great the researchers have deemed MDMA an effective treatment for PTSD, what is it? How does it work? For starters, MDMA is a nonaddictive drug that has been deemed safe by the FDA when used properly. MDMA affects the amygdala, otherwise known as the brain’s emotional processing center. It causes an increase in feelings of empathy and trust and is able to safely reduce feelings of fear and stress commonly found in PTSD patients. Because of these effects, researchers have concluded it an effective drug to use in psychotherapy because it is likely to help patients talk through their issues and root causes of their trauma.

According to Michael Mithoefer, “The MDMA is used to catalyze the therapeutic process in those eight hours [of the original session] and then it continues to unfold.” Mithoefer is a psychiatrist who has led MDMA research efforts for use in medical settings. He added, “The MDMA allows people to revisit the trauma without being overwhelmed while still having an emotional connection.”

Final Thoughts

As nurses, we’re always a bit apprehensive about our patients becoming dependent on drugs. However, research suggests that MDMA is not addictive and is perfectly safe for long-term medical use. Hopefully, Phase 3 of the trial goes off without a hitch so that patients suffering from PTSD symptoms, which are often the most difficult to treat, can finally find some relief and healing. Only time will tell. What do you think? Can you see your office using MDMA to treat PTSD patients?