About this Research Topic
In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted breakthrough therapy designation for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Six phase 2 and one phase 3 trial of a standardized MDMA-AT protocol for PTSD have consistently shown that the treatment is both safe and efficacious. MDMA-AT may hold great promise as a novel treatment for individuals who suffer from PTSD, including those with severe and treatment-resistant diagnoses. Evidence-based studies are needed to guide widespread adoption and dissemination of MDMA-AT for PTSD. The untapped therapeutic potential of MDMA-AT also warrants further investigation of indications beyond PTSD, including comorbidities that often create greater challenges in treatment and long-term efficacy.
The goal of this Research Topic is to broaden the scientific literature on MDMA-AT across disciplines. Specifically, studies are needed to provide (i) guidance on the dissemination of MDMA-AT for PTSD, (ii) future research directions for MDMA-AT including investigation of other indications, and (iii) theoretical frameworks and models of biological mechanisms to explain the therapeutic effects of MDMA-AT.
We welcome Original Research, Review, and Systematic Review papers and themes of particular interest include:
• Health economics assessments
• Health equity assessments
• Replication studies on PTSD
• Investigation of other indications
• Theoretical frameworks
• Biological mechanisms
Dr. Rick Doblin and Dr. Berra Yazar-Klosinski receive salary support for full-time employment with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Dr. Julie Wang receives salary support for full-time employment with the MAPS Public Benefit Corporation. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
The goal of this Research Topic is to broaden the scientific literature on MDMA-AT across disciplines. Specifically, studies are needed to provide (i) guidance on the dissemination of MDMA-AT for PTSD, (ii) future research directions for MDMA-AT including investigation of other indications, and (iii) theoretical frameworks and models of biological mechanisms to explain the therapeutic effects of MDMA-AT.
We welcome Original Research, Review, and Systematic Review papers and themes of particular interest include:
• Health economics assessments
• Health equity assessments
• Replication studies on PTSD
• Investigation of other indications
• Theoretical frameworks
• Biological mechanisms
Dr. Rick Doblin and Dr. Berra Yazar-Klosinski receive salary support for full-time employment with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Dr. Julie Wang receives salary support for full-time employment with the MAPS Public Benefit Corporation. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Keywords: MDMA, Therapy, PTSD, Mental Health, Psychedelic Research
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
