MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is estimated to remain chronic and severe for 25-50% of patients despite psychotherapeutic treatment. Part of the reasons is that patients with PTSD can have difficulties in establishing a good therapeutical alliance with the therapist. Moreover, they often fail to re-think the content of the trauma without being overwhelmed by negative emotions and tend to rely on avoidance strategies and/or to abandon the therapy. MDMA ("ecstasy") is a drug classified as an entactogen (en "within", tactus "touch", and gen "produce"), an amphetamine with psyche-delic properties that possesses psychopharmacological properties to overcome these issues. Indeed, MDMA triggers the release of oxytocin, which favors the establishment of interpersonal relationship based on kindness and trust. Moreover, MDMA diminishes the activity of the amygdale, allowing patients to work on challenging memories with less fear and anxiety. Finally, MDMA may also provide access to meaningful spiritual experiences, release of tensions and a sense of healing on a non-verbal level that are not completely understood. But are viewed as important by patients. Today, there is no evidence that the use of MDMA in a clinical setting has bad neurologic, psychological or cognitive consequences. Results of phase II trials in the United States and Europe confirm that MDMA favors psychotherapy's outcome without severe adverse effects. Phase III trials are underway. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has published online a method proposal and trains therapists in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Conclusion. - Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) could approve this therapeutic tool in the coming years. (C) 2021 Societe Francaise de Psychologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.