MDMA and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Fight for Psychedelic Therapy

Ketamine Insights

We hear a powerful story about the power of MDMA to help heal PTSD.
An FDA advisory committee recently voted against approval of MDMA as a treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), despite extremely promising results from clinical trials. So, in this episode, Molly speaks with Cristina Pearse, founder and CEO of the Protea Foundation, who received MDMA treatment as part of the recent trials. Cristina describes the impact of her childhood trauma as a powerful tsunami. With the help of MDMA-assisted therapy, she says, it became just a puddle at her feet.

Together, we discuss the potential of this medicine, the FDA study design, the recent vote, and the role of advocacy in securing access to this life saving medicine.

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A New York Times article about the FDA vote on MDMA, which took place on June 4, 2024: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/04/health/fda-mdma-therapy-ptsd.html
You can read (MDMA applicant) Lykos' response to the vote here: https://news.lykospbc.com/2024-06-13-Lykos-Therapeutics-Statement-on-FDA-Advisory-Committee-Meeting
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If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please get help. In the US, you can dial 988. You are never all alone.

As always: Remember to advocate for yourself, and never ration your joy.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Ketamine Insights (00:00:00)

2. FDA's Advisory Committee Vote on MDMA (00:00:47)

3. Understanding the MDMA Study (00:02:17)

4. Concerns Raised by the FDA Advisory Committee (00:03:26)

5. Personal Reflections on PTSD and Treatment (00:04:37)

6. Interview with Cristina Pearse (00:05:22)

7. Cristina's Experience with PTSD (00:05:47)

8. The Impact of Therapy and MDMA (00:08:37)

9. Challenges in the FDA Approval Process (00:12:56)

10. The Future of MDMA Theraoy (00:24:00)

11. The Hidden Impact of Unreported Trauma (00:27:55)

12. The Role of Trauma in Treatment-Resistant Depression (00:28:49)

13. The Potential of MDMA-Assisted Therapy (00:29:56)

14. The Importance of Addressing Trauma Holistically (00:32:33)

15. The Need for Trauma Education and Qualified Therapists (00:45:05)

16. Conclusion: Advocacy and Call to Action (00:46:42)