Science Behind the Study

Why are we using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat PTSD?

Initial studies suggest that MDMA used in combination with psychotherapy may help people who have PTSD. Though we do not know exactly why it may help people with PTSD, we know that MDMA may increase positive mood and changes the way we see and think about the world around us, making it easier to think about and recall things that happened to us that are upsetting. People say they feel caring and forgiving toward themselves and others during the MDMA experience. It is possible that these drug effects, when combined with psychotherapy, help people work through thoughts, memories and emotions related to traumas and other past experiences.

How this Research Could Help with PTSD and What We Can Accomplish Together

Volunteers in this study will help us understand better if MDMA-assisted psychotherapy works for PTSD. We cannot guarantee that volunteers will benefit from participating in the study. Volunteers will be provided the all study activities (including over 40 hours of therapy) at no cost to them. All people who participate in clinical research are contributing to scientific knowledge and might help researchers and doctors find better treatments for PTSD.