Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychostimulant, which was synthesized for the first time in 1912 in Germany and later forgotten until the 1970s. Then due to its empathogenic and anti-anxiety qualities it was rediscovered as a psychotherapy adjunct, especially for patients requiring treatment for anxiety disorders and suffering after traumatic events. MDMA's positive effects and lack of negative side effects explains why its use persisted in psychiatric “underground” even after delegalization in 1985, caused by overuse for recreational purposes. Nowadays scientists in many countries conduct basic research, as well as clinical trials to confirm its positive effect as a adjunct therapy especially for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and its relatively small side effects. Until now MDMA has been legalized only in Australia in 2023 for use in psychotherapy of patients suffering from severe PTSD.
Source: Kosmos
Author: Agnieszka Bysiek
Institution: Maj Institute of Pharmacology
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4407325982