Ecstasy for PTSD...Could It Be Effective?

After over a decade of modern war, as well as an increase in sexually traumatized victims, this country has seen a rise of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which has crippled thousands of Americans both in the field and off. As a result, a number of scientists have worked tirelessly to find new treatments for PTSD. 

New study researches ecstasy and PTSD

According to a new study, Ecstasy could possibly help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reports The New York Times. 

Researchers in South Carolina found Ecstasy combined with psychotherapy helped 15 of 21 patients recover from severe post-traumatic stress, although most of the patients in the study were victims of rape. 

It is unknown whether the treatment is effective in war-related PTSD, the article notes; however, the researchers recently began to test the drug with veterans. Ecstasy, or MDMA, is not approved for any medical uses. Studies conducted in the past suggest that the drug induces release of the hormone oxytocin, which increases sensations of trust and affection. The drug also appears to reduce activity in the brain that increases during fearful, threatening situations. 

“We’ve had more than 250 vets call us,” researcher Michael Mithoefer told the newspaper. “There’s a long waiting list, we wish we could enroll them all.” He and his wife, Ann, will work with other scientists to test the treatment in no more than 24 veterans, in order to comply with Food and Drug Administration rules for testing an experimental drug. 
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• Ecstasy Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Shows Promise (nytimes.com)
• The Party Drug That May Effectively Treat PTSD (nytimes.com)
• Ecstasy effective in treatment of lingering PTSD, new study finds (stripes.com)