Mdma as a treatment for PTSDThis article will present the 2 completed pilot studies showing the effectiveness of using 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) with psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD. post-traumatic stress. (PTSD). It will also provide details on the study protocol for the upcoming pilot study carried out in Canada and the phase 2 protocol for the United States. MDMA and psychotherapy are an effective treatment for PTSD and show promising results. PTSD occurs after traumatic events and prolonged periods of emotional distress. A traumatic event is something a person experiences that makes them feel like their life or the lives of others are in immediate danger. If, after traumatic events, such feelings of fear or complete loss of control do not subside and cause disruption in a person's daily life, post-traumatic stress disorder may occur. Such traumatic events may include: combat in a war zone, sexual or physical abuse or assault, major accidents or natural disasters. There are four main symptoms used to identify PTSD: Reliving the traumatic event, which can include nightmares and flashbacks. Avoid people or situations that might remind you of the event. Negative changes in a person's thoughts or feelings, such as fear, guilt, shame, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Finally, hyperarousal, feeling nervous, alert and on the lookout for danger, as well as difficulty sleeping or concentrating. (National Center for PTSD). People with PTSD may also experience problems with depression and anxiety as well as relationship problems, physical symptoms, and problems with drugs and alcohol. Recently, advanced studies have been conducted on the use of MDMA to help treat PTSD. MDMA is the purest form...... middle of paper ...... side effects were short-lived and resolved within hours or days. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy shows positive results in terms of effectiveness. The second completed pilot study was conducted in Solothurn, Switzerland. The final analysis was completed in January 2011. Investigators screened potential subjects by referring them to psychiatric hospitals, counseling centers, and psychotherapists. All potential subjects were screened through a scripted interview and if they met all inclusion criteria, they met with an investigator who administered the Clinically Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) to provide an accurate diagnosis . Ultimately, the study resulted in 12 subjects, 10 women and 2 men, with a mean age of 41.4 years, who met criteria for PTSD with treatment-resistant symptoms, who had a CAPS score greater than or equal to 50.