Ecstasy May Improve PTSD Symptoms

CA, United States (AHN) – Researchers say a key ingredient in the popular party drug ecstasy could be used as an effective therapy for patients suffering with post traumatic stress disorder.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, or MAPS, said in a statement that preliminary studies show MDMA combined with psychotherapy can help people overcome PTSD. The findings were part of the organization’s 10-year, $10 million study on the matter.

MAPS said in on its website that it is the only organization funding the study because there is little profit to be made from MDMA since its patent has expired. Also, since the drug is not meant for daily use, drug companies see little profit potential, according to MAPS.

The MAPS website suggests calling MDMA ecstasy is misleading because the street version does not always contain pure MDMA.

Results of the study are published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

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