New research has successfully tested the safety of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) assisted psychotherapy with five UK veterans experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The trial supported that the treatment could be feasible, safe, and potentially effective for use in the UK, and supports that further research is warranted into the treatment.

In the Phase II trial, Supporting Wounded Veterans worked in conjunction with King’s College, London (KCL), the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and NHS England in a project part-funded by Forces in Mind Trust.

PTSD is a psychiatric disorder caused by traumatic events, such as those experienced during conflict, accidents and abuse. Existing treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy can be less than 30% effective for ex-Service personnel experiencing PTSD(1). MDMA-assisted therapy has shown promising results in other countries for those with PTSD that is treatment-resistant but has not been tested in the UK before.

The trial’s small size allowed for careful testing of the treatment where the participants could be monitored overnight in hospital for adverse events and assessed in follow-up to their MDMA therapy.

The effectiveness of treating PTSD was similar to that witnessed elsewhere in larger studies and participants did not report any notable negative incidents.

Full results cannot be published until the conclusion of the international MAPS study, of which the UK trial forms one part.

The success of the trial allows for further clinical testing of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in a larger trial.

The short report on the UK trial can be read here

Gilly Norton, Chief Executive of Supporting Wounded Veterans, said

“Working with King’s College London to execute this successful clinical trial on a potential alternative treatment for PTSD has been a key step in improving support for veterans affected by treatment-resistant PTSD in the UK. The rigorous protocols and establishing of safety and efficacy in trial design during research were essential to the success of the trial, and allowing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to become closer to being available for use in the UK. We are delighted to be moving the dial towards better treatment for veterans.”

Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, said

“The vast majority of ex-Service personnel leave the Armed Forces and have a successful transition to civilian life but those experiencing PTSD often face much greater challenges in civilian life. Given some individuals can find that existing treatments aren’t effective for them, it is key that we advance new treatments to support all those with PTSD. This study forms a building block towards better treatments that can enable more former Service personnel and families to live thriving civilian lives.”

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  1. Forces in Mind Trust, The mental health of serving and ex-Service personnel: a systematic review, 2020 Link