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It is estimated that about 12 million adults suffer from PTSD in a given year, and the numbers are expected to grow. Researchers have been studying psychedelic therapies in combination with counseling and psychotherapy.
"Both the psychotherapy and the drug treatment have an effect independently, but they often work together synergistically," says lead author, Dr. Xenia Gonda.
However, it is not the psychedelic nature of the drug that makes a difference, it works by enhancing the actions of psychotherapy at a neurological level.
They found the most promising results from MDMA, or ecstasy. Four trials showed significantly superior outcomes to those of patients only receiving psychotherapy.
Psilocybin, found in certain mushrooms, also showed some benefit, but they state additional data is still needed to validate.
While this study was done in Hungary, FDA approval is expected next year for these drugs to be used in assisted therapies in the USA.
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