Is there a case for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the UK?

While much has been written about the dangers of recreational MDMA/ecstasy use, the history of its apparently safe and effective therapeutic use in psychotherapy is less known. This paper explores that history and describes the recent re-emergence of scientific interest in MDMA and other psychedelic drugs, with several new double-blind randomized controlled trials underway. The author calls for the medical profession to engage in a dispassionate, open-minded debate about whether MDMA might have a legitimate place as an adjunct to psychotherapy, while acknowledging the limitations of new research and emphasizing appropriate but realistic caution.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Much has been written in scientific and popular literature in recent years about the dangers surrounding the recreational use of the drug MDMA/ecstasy. What is little known and understood however is the history of the apparently safe and effective use of MDMA as a therapeutic tool for psychotherapy. In this paper the author explores this history and describes the recent re-emergence of scientific interest in MDMA and other psychedelic drugs. There are currently several new double-blind randomised controlled trials underway re-visiting the subject. By acknowledging the limitations of this new research and emphasising the importance of exercising appropriate but realistic caution, the author asks that the medical profession consider a dispassionate and open-minded debate to examine whether MDMA might have a legitimate place as an adjunct to psychotherapy in modern psychiatric practice.