U.S. Military Funds MDMA Therapy Research for PTSD in Service Members

In a groundbreaking development, the U.S. Department of Defense has allocated $4.9 million for a clinical trial to investigate MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among active-duty service members. This initiative represents a significant shift in the military's approach to mental health treatment, highlighting the growing acceptance of psychedelic research within federal institutions

The clinical trial is spearheaded by researchers from Emory University and the STRONG STAR Consortium. It aims to explore the safety and efficacy of combining MDMA-assisted therapy with Massed Prolonged Exposure, a well-established PTSD treatment in military contexts. This study is notable for its focus on active-duty personnel, a group that faces unique challenges in accessing mental health care due to factors such as stigma and limited treatment options

Despite the Department of Defense's funding, the grant did not cover the cost of training therapists in the specialized field of MDMA-assisted therapy. This gap was addressed by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), which provided the necessary training through philanthropic support. Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, emphasized the importance of training in ensuring the safety and success of psychedelic-assisted therapy research

While MDMA remains a federally controlled substance, the Department of Defense's involvement in this research signals a broader shift in how mental health treatments are prioritized. The trial does not imply immediate changes to military mental health care, but it acknowledges the need to explore new approaches when traditional treatments fall short. This initiative marks a meaningful step forward for the military, known for its conservative stance on such matters