Psychedelic Therapy to Reduce PTSD Symptoms and Improve Quality of Well-Being

Authors

Catherine Jung, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Psychiatry

Advisor

Elyse Watkins

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with psychedelic therapy to reduce symptoms of PTSD and improve the quality of well-being.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted with search terms post-traumatic stress disorder, brain changes, psychedelic therapy, 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and psilocybin. Pertinent articles were retrieved and served as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: Two psychedelic drugs were investigated for its efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms, MDMA and Psilocybin. Evidence-based research demonstrates a positive reduction in PTSD symptoms utilizing MDMA-assisted therapy compared to psilocybin-assisted therapy.

Conclusion: MDMA-assisted therapy illustrates favorable results in the reduction and treatment of PTSD symptoms. Psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promising results in various psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, but the treatment of PTSD is limited and insufficient. Patients who received MDMA treatment experienced a more significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, sustained lasting changes, and remained stable for three to four years. FDA recognizes MDMA-assisted therapy as a potential breakthrough treatment for PTSD. Currently, the FDA has not approved psychedelic therapy in the United States. However, some grants and guidelines have been created, such as Statistical Analysis Plan (SAP), to facilitate the treatment of PTSD with psychedelic psychotherapy. The conjunction of SAP guidelines and the FDA Breakthrough may warrant accelerated clinical evaluation.

Recommended Citation

Jung C. Psychedelic Therapy to Reduce PTSD Symptoms and Improve Quality of Well-Being. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(4).