Is there a case for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the UK?
Much has been written in scientific and popular literature in recent years about the dangers surrounding the recreational use of the drug MDMA/ecstasy. What is little known and understood however is the history of the apparently safe and effective use of MDMA as a therapeutic tool for psychotherapy. In this paper the author explores this history and describes the recent re-emergence of scientific interest in MDMA and other psychedelic drugs. There are currently several new double-blind randomised controlled trials underway re-visiting the subject. By acknowledging the limitations of this new research and emphasising the importance of exercising appropriate but realistic caution, the author asks that the medical profession consider a dispassionate and open-minded debate to examine whether MDMA might have a legitimate place as an adjunct to psychotherapy in modern psychiatric practice.
Sessa
Ben
B
Psychopharmacology Unit, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Bristol, UK. drbensessa@hotmail.com
D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000266:history* / Q000379:methods*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D006113:United Kingdom
D006213:Hallucinogens; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine