Medicine and Health

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of anxiety and other psychological distress related to life-threatening illnesses: a randomized pilot study

P. E. Wolfson, J. Andries, et al.

This pilot study reveals that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may significantly reduce anxiety in individuals facing life-threatening illnesses. Conducted by a team of experts including Philip E. Wolfson and Rick Doblin, the research indicates promising potential for this innovative therapeutic approach, despite not achieving statistical significance in initial outcomes. Dive into the findings!

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Abstract

This randomized pilot study investigated MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety in individuals with life-threatening illnesses (LTIs). Participants (n=18) were randomized to receive MDMA (n=13) or placebo (n=5) with psychotherapy. The primary outcome, change in STAI-Trait scores, showed a greater reduction in the MDMA group (-23.5) compared to placebo (-8.8), but the difference wasn't statistically significant (p=.056). MDMA was well-tolerated. These preliminary findings suggest the potential of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for LTI-related anxiety, warranting larger trials.

Publisher

Scientific Reports

Published On

Nov 24, 2020

Authors

Philip E. Wolfson, Julane Andries, Allison A. Feduccia, Lisa Jerome, Julie B. Wang, Emily Williams, Shannon C. Carlin, Evan Sola, Scott Hamilton, Berra Yazar-Klosinski, Amy Emerson, Michael C. Mithoefer, Rick Doblin

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