June 27, 2008
MDMA therapy for post-traumatic stress?
Given how many servicemembers are coming back from Iraq with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (tens of thousands at least), how bad PTSD can be, and how poor the prognosis often is, whoever takes over the VA medical system in January ought to look very closely at the evidence that, in skilled hands, MDMA can be an effective treatment for PTSD. Right now, the research base is thin. Doing more research ought to be the first step.
Yes, the drug warriors would have a fit. Tough. President Obama just needs to make sure his drug czar is a stand-up guy who believes in science.
Footnote Facing the concerns about the possibly neurotoxic effects of MDMA (concerns that appear to be largely spurious when considering about one or a few carefully measured doses given in clinical settings) it might make sense to start that research with veterans already experienced with the drug in non-medical settings.
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