In the study, participants received multiple therapy sessions combined with controlled administration of MDMA. During these sessions, participants were guided by specially trained therapists. Additionally, there were preparatory conversations and integration sessions afterwards. The control group received therapy with a placebo or a very low dose of MDMA.
The results were striking. Many participants showed a strong decrease in PTSD symptoms. A large proportion no longer even met the criteria for PTSD after the program ended. Symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal also often decreased. The effects remained visible in many participants for months afterward.
According to the researchers, MDMA likely helps by reducing feelings of anxiety and mistrust. As a result, people can look back on traumatic experiences more safely without immediately becoming overwhelmed. At the same time, feelings of connectedness, self-compassion, and trust actually seem to increase. This can deepen the therapeutic process.The studies show that MDMA-assisted therapy is promising for people with severe PTSD. At the same time, the researchers emphasize that this treatment can only be safely applied within a professional therapeutic setting with medical supervision.