Posted by & filed under Psychology Update.

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MDMA Psychotherapy Could Be Legal In Just Five Years
FDA approval of the treatment for PTSD is on the horizon.

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Currently, some researchers are studying whether MDMA, also known as Molly and Ecstasy, can be used in a psychotherapeutic setting.   The current research in its first phase has shown promising results according to the researchers.  This Huffington Post article briefly discusses the use of MDMA and also includes an interview with researcher Rick Doblin.   From the article:  “Here’s how it works: MDMA is an empathogen, which means it stimulates areas of the brain associated with feelings of love, connection and empathy. When used under the guidance of trained clinicians, it can allow patients with PTSD to explore traumatic memories in a safe, nonthreatening way.”  Following FDA approval protocols, the research must continue through two further experimental phases before MDMA usage can be approved along with psychotherapy protocols for training clinicians — the earliest date for approved use would be 2021.

SOURCE

Huffington Post, October 20, 2015, by Carolyn Gregoire

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mdma-psychotherapy-may-be-legal-in-just-five-years_56266075e4b08589ef4902ca?ir=Science%253Fncid%253Dnewsltushpmg00000003

(shortened URL)    http://tinyurl.com/nkez6g8

The government’s drug facts site for MDMA:

https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/mdma-ecstasy-or-molly

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is MDMA?
•How is it used as the recreational drugs ecstasy and Molly?
•What are the reported effects of the drugs (both positive and negative)?
•What is being “claimed” as the positive effects in the psychotherapy realm?
•The article briefly discusses the FDA experimental phases for approval:   ask the students to read the brief section and explain how this integrates with the scientific method.

TAGS

MDMA Therapy, Ecstasy, Molly, Psychedelics Pharmacology, Empathogens

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