Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, in collaboration with Emory University, have received a $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense.
This funding is aimed at improving treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by using 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine hydrochloride (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, in conjunction with Prolonged Exposure therapy.

The study will utilize MDMA to enhance the effectiveness of Prolonged Exposure therapy, a leading psychotherapy method for PTSD. Prolonged Exposure helps patients process traumatic memories in a safe environment, aiming to achieve greater symptom reductions and a higher rate of remission.

Cognitive-behavioral therapies currently have a recovery ceiling of around 50% for military service members. Peterson states, “Existing medications have not shown good promise when used alone, so we’re looking at novel ways to enhance treatment outcomes.” The trial is designed to explore the synergistic effects of MDMA on Prolonged Exposure therapy, with the hope of increasing neuroplasticity and improving emotional processing.

Clinical Trial Structure

The clinical trial aims to enroll 100 participants, including active-duty military, guard, and reserve personnel. Participants will receive a controlled dose of MDMA in a therapeutic setting, supervised by trained therapists. The study is structured as a two-armed, double-blind, randomized trial to assess the optimal dosage for therapeutic benefits.

After the initial therapy session, participants will receive a single dose of MDMA in the subsequent session, followed by massed Prolonged Exposure therapy over two weeks. Researchers anticipate significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, suicidal ideation, and depression, along with improvements in psychosocial functioning.

Implications for Treatment

If successful, the findings could redefine PTSD treatment standards, especially among military personnel. The integration of MDMA into existing therapeutic frameworks could make the treatment more accessible within military and veteran healthcare systems.
The research aligns with the broader movement to explore alternative treatments for mental health disorders, particularly in populations with high PTSD prevalence.

VA’s Investment in MDMA Therapy

In a related development, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has allocated $1.5 million for research on MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorder (AUD). This marks the first VA-funded research on psychedelic-assisted therapy in over 50 years.

Image courtesy of Recovered

The VA study will assess whether MDMA combined with structured psychotherapy can address both PTSD and AUD simultaneously, providing a holistic treatment approach. The urgency for such studies is underscored by alarming suicide rates among veterans, with 17 veterans dying by suicide each day on average.

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