Midomafetamine (commonly referred to as MDMA or ecstasy) is an empathogen (entactogen) psychoactive in development for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in combination with psychological intervention, including psychotherapy.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition caused by an extremely stressful event. Symptoms include flashbacks, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts, agitation, social isolation, insomnia, and emotional detachment.
Midomafetamine is MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), which belongs to the empathogen (entactogen) class of psychoactive compounds. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made MDMA a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act in 1985, which prevented it from being used for recreational or medical use.
More recent research has shown that MDMA can act as a powerful catalyst to support psychotherapy by helping diminish the brain's fear response allowing people to access and process painful memories without being overwhelmed.
MDMA-assisted therapy is also being investigated for use in in other indications including social anxiety disorder (SAD).
