In recent years, Allison A. Feduccia has published several review articles with colleagues on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Feduccia worked for a long time as a researcher at MAPS (later Lykos Therapeutics) and is one of the most referenced voices in this field.
Her reviews summarize the state of research on three points.
Efficacy. Several studies — pilot, phase 2, and ultimately phase 3 — consistently show a decrease in PTSD symptoms in participants who received MDMA therapy, even in people for whom previous treatments were insufficient. Effects usually remained visible for months to a year after treatment.
Mechanisms of action. Feduccia discusses how MDMA temporarily dampens the activity of the amygdala (the alarm system in the brain), while increasing feelings of connectedness and self-compassion via oxytocin and serotonin. This creates a window in which trauma processing can take place in a less overwhelming way.Safety and boundaries. The reviews also mention the risks: temporary increases in heart rate and blood pressure, possible psychological destabilization, and the importance of trained supervisors. Examples of boundary-crossing behavior within research settings are explicitly discussed.Following the FDA rejection in 2024, Feduccia left Lykos and became a critical voice within the field. Her more recent publications advocate for stricter methodology and better protection of participants in future research.