reviewAmerican Journal of PsychiatryJan 1, 2025Closed access

MDMA and MDMA-Assisted Therapy

Yale University · Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences · +5 more institutions

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

MDMA (i.e., 3,4-methylenedixoymethamphetamine), commonly known as "Ecstasy" or "Molly," has been used since the 1970s both in recreational and therapeutic settings. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) as a Breakthrough Therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2017, and the FDA is requiring an additional phase 3 trial after rejecting the initial New Drug Application in 2024. Unlike other psychedelics, MDMA uniquely induces prosocial subjective effects of heightened trust and self-compassion while maintaining ego functioning as well as cognitive and perceptual lucidity. While recreational use in nonmedical settings may still cause harm, especially due to…

Citation impact

42
total citations
FWCI
76.94
Percentile
100%
References
169
Citations per year

Authors

10

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • MDMA
  • Ecstasy
  • Medicine
  • Hallucinogen
  • Psychology
  • Psychiatry
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
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