Controlled Substances For PTSD
Over the decades, psychiatrists have prescribed numerous medications for those suffering from PTSD. More recently, scientists have been curious as to the effects of using psychedelics in attempting to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The drug professionals are most curious about is methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. As with all other medications or brain-altering substances, it is encouraged to seek therapy while taking MDMA to treat one’s PTSD. The drug has been shown to reduce fear, increase social engagement and openness, increase empathy and compassion, increase emotionality, and many other benefits (Morland, 2024)
Understandably, there are some fears surrounding the use of substances such as MDMA due to their high addiction rates. This is why it is recommended to only take these substances under a controlled environment where patients can be monitored and the treatment can be stopped if the treatment is beginning to harm the patient or if negative effects are beginning to take shape. Another issue patients may have is that these substances can be quite expensive. They can range from $600 to $8,000 (Olmstead, 2023). Health insurance does not cover these procedures yet as they have not officially hit the market and research is still in progress.
There is a lot more research that needs to be done when considering the long-term effects on the brain for the users of MDMA. For many years the drug has been banned from public consumption and mainly used as a “party drug”. However, more and more medical uses have been found for the drug and others which are known to alter one’s emotions and to make individuals more easygoing and open to the outside world. Scientists are also looking into using the drug to assist with the treatment of anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. Individuals who wish to seek this type of treatment should speak with their current psychologist and discuss if these types of substances could benefit them or if they are the right type of candidate for further research studies.
References:
Morland, L., & Wooley, J. (2024, March 28). Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/psychedelics_assisted_therapy.asp#four
Olmstead, K. (2023, September 13). New PTSD treatments offer hope, yet people seeking help should exercise caution. RTI. https://www.rti.org/insights/new-ptsd-treatments-offer-hope-with-caution