MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy on Sleep Quality
Article Title: “Sleep Quality Improvements After MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder”
Authors: Linnae Ponte, Lisa Jerome, Scott Hamilton, Michael C. Mithoefer, Berra B. Yazar-Klosinski, Eric Vermetten, Allison A. Feduccia
Publication Date: August, 2021
DOI: 10.1002/jts.22696
Background
Sleep disturbances can be a prevalent and distressing symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), significantly impacting one’s quality of life and complicating recovery. Despite various treatments, sleep issues in PTSD remain challenging to address. This study investigated whether MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can improve sleep quality in individuals with PTSD.
Study Overview
In this research, 63 participants with chronic PTSD were randomly assigned to receive either active MDMA (75-125 mg) or a control dose (0-40 mg) during psychotherapy sessions. Subsequently, they measured the participants’ sleep quality and PTSD symptoms using standard clinical scales at multiple points in time. This included a baseline measurement, a measurement post-treatment and a 12-month follow-up.
Key Findings
The study found that participants who received active MDMA showed significant improvements in both sleep quality and PTSD symptoms compared to those in the control group. Specifically, MDMA recipients reported better sleep latency, sleep duration, and reduced daytime dysfunction. These improvements were not only evident immediately after treatment but also persisted at the 12-month follow-up.
Discussion
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy appears to offer dual benefits for PTSD sufferers by enhancing sleep quality and reducing PTSD symptoms. The study highlights the complex relationship between sleep and PTSD, where improved sleep quality can significantly alleviate the overall severity of PTSD.
Implications
These findings suggest that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy could be a groundbreaking approach for treating PTSD, particularly for those who have not responded well to conventional therapies. By addressing both sleep disturbances and PTSD symptoms, this therapy could help break the cycle of distress and improve patients’ overall well-being.
Potential Application
The potential application of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy extends beyond PTSD to other conditions characterised by sleep disturbances and trauma. Future research could explore its efficacy in treating sleep disturbances in different conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic insomnia.
Conclusions
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy holds promise as a novel treatment for PTSD, offering substantial improvements in sleep quality and symptom severity. As research progresses, this therapy could become a vital tool in the mental health field, providing hope for those affected by chronic PTSD.
