Updated: February 21, 2020
Originally Published: February 21, 2020
Trigger Warning: Child Loss/PTSD
Living with PTSD can feel like an unending battle. As someone who grapples with the remnants of trauma daily, I’m constantly on the lookout for effective treatments that don’t just render me numb. I’ve experimented with a variety of medications and supplements, yet haven’t found the right combination for my needs.
My journey with PTSD began after the heartbreaking loss of my son to SIDS in our home. I was the one to find him and attempt resuscitation, and the haunting memories from that morning linger in my mind. They cycle through my thoughts, making it feel as if I am trapped in that moment, unable to step into the present.
Currently, only a couple of medications have FDA approval for treating PTSD. This has led some doctors to experiment with multiple drugs in hopes of alleviating symptoms, which can be beneficial for some but risky for others. However, recent studies have sparked interest in the potential of psychedelics for PTSD treatment, with promising results emerging from clinical trials.
Substances like LSD, psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), and MDMA, while controversial, are now being considered for therapeutic use alongside traditional therapies. Research into psychedelics dates back to the 1950s, but momentum slowed in the ’70s before resurfacing in the early 2000s. Recently, the FDA has begun to recognize the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, allowing “breakthrough” therapy studies for psilocybin and MDMA.
In a recent announcement, the FDA stated that 50 participants will be able to access MDMA under medical supervision, thanks to its Expanded Access program. Known for its empathogenic properties, MDMA can foster feelings of euphoria and connection. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has been instrumental in this progress, working for over three decades on MDMA and psychedelic psychotherapy. They are now in the final stages of research and anticipate FDA approval for prescription use as early as 2022.
“The resurgence of research into using drugs such as MDMA to catalyze psychotherapy is the most promising and exciting development I’ve seen in my psychiatric career,” said Dr. Eric Lawson, a medical director at MAPS Public Benefit Corporation. “Combining pharmacological effects with psychotherapy offers a compelling model for leveraging advancements in neuroscience.”
I have personally explored MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin, and each experience has left me feeling more enlightened about my life’s challenges. Many individuals believe psychedelics provide a fresh perspective on traumatic events, potentially allowing for healing.
A 2020 study involving cancer patients with stress related to their illness found that nearly all participants reported enhanced positivity following psilocybin-assisted therapy. Some described their experiences as “spiritually significant.” Research from the University of Florida indicates that psilocybin may even help regenerate brain cells, binding to receptors that promote healing in the brain.
For those with PTSD, traumatic memories often become stuck, preventing them from being processed like regular memories. Psilocybin’s interaction with brain receptors could help individuals shift these memories into long-term storage, reducing their emotional intensity. This potential healing effect is also noted with ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew known for its hallucinogenic effects.
“From a psychotherapeutic standpoint, ayahuasca is akin to exposure therapy,” explains Dr. Mia Thompson, a researcher at UC Berkeley. “Users can set intentions regarding their traumas, offering a structured approach to confronting past experiences.”
While there are risks associated with psychedelic substances, including concerns about adulterated drugs, clinical trials provide a safer setting for administration. As research continues, hope emerges for those suffering from PTSD.
There is a glimmer of optimism on the horizon for PTSD treatment, and perhaps a few colorful clouds to accompany us on this journey.
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Summary
Recent studies suggest that psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin may offer promising therapeutic benefits for individuals with PTSD. With FDA interest growing, there is hope for innovative treatments that could transform how trauma is processed, allowing for healing and a better quality of life for those affected.
Keyphrase: psychedelics for PTSD treatment
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