Stare substancje, nowe terapieczyli MDMA w terapii zaburzeń psychicznych

MDMA, first synthesized in 1912, was rediscovered in the 1970s for its empathogenic and anti-anxiety qualities, leading to its use as a psychotherapy adjunct for anxiety disorders and trauma. Despite being outlawed in 1985 due to recreational overuse, its positive effects and lack of negative side effects kept it in psychiatric underground use. Current research and clinical trials in many countries aim to confirm its efficacy as an adjunct therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with relatively small side effects. As of 2023, only Australia has legalized MDMA for psychotherapy in patients with severe PTSD.

Study at a glance

Abstract

3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychostimulant, which was synthesized for the first time in 1912 in Germany and later forgotten until the 1970s. Then due to its empathogenic and anti-anxiety qualities it was rediscovered as a psychotherapy adjunct, especially for patients requiring treatment for anxiety disorders and suffering after traumatic events. MDMA's positive effects and lack of negative side effects explains why its use persisted in psychiatric “underground” even after delegalization in 1985, caused by overuse for recreational purposes. Nowadays scientists in many countries conduct basic research, as well as clinical trials to confirm its positive effect as a adjunct therapy especially for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and its relatively small side effects. Until now MDMA has been legalized only in Australia in 2023 for use in psychotherapy of patients suffering from severe PTSD.