Ecstasy may treat post-traumatic stress disorder, says study

Ecstasy could very well be used once day for treatment in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The illegal party drug has been awarded ‘breakthrough status’ by the FDA for treatment of mental health conditions.

This means that there is evidence that the medication may benefit PTSD sufferers and should therefore be developed faster as a treatment option.

PTSD symptoms are triggered by sounds or smells that cause sufferers' memories to come flooding back. MDMA is thought to dampen this response and allow people to overcome their trauma.

FDA has approved two Phase II trails investigating MDMA in PTSD. Phase II studies assess drug efficacy, safety and dosing.

The trials, which will cost around $25million, are funded by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and could finish as soon as 2021.

MDMA’s potential in PTSD was first demonstrated in 2011 in US. The results since then have been reviewed by the FDA and are very good according to MAPS’ executive director Rick Doblin.

In the future, MAPS hopes to conduct MDMA-PTSD trials in Europe, as well as investigating the illegal party drug for alcohol addiction.