WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has approved funding for a landmark study investigating the effectiveness of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Veterans. This marks the VA’s first psychedelic-assisted therapy study in over 50 years, signaling a pivotal moment in mental health research for those who have served in the military.
The $1.5 million study, set to begin in fiscal year 2025, will be conducted by VA researchers in collaboration with Brown University and Yale University. The research will take place at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island and the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut. The initiative will evaluate MDMA’s potential to enhance traditional psychotherapy by promoting emotional openness, reducing fear responses, and facilitating introspection during treatment sessions.
Study Design and Objectives
Participants in the clinical trial will undergo psychotherapy integrated with MDMA to assess its efficacy in addressing both PTSD and AUD, conditions that frequently co-occur among Veterans. A randomized group will receive an active placebo with a lower MDMA dose to provide accurate comparisons. All sessions will adhere to strict safety protocols, using pharmaceutical-grade MDMA administered in a controlled, clinical setting.
The initiative builds upon the VA’s broader effort, announced earlier this year, to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds for Veterans suffering from PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions. By funding this study, the VA aims to contribute definitive scientific data on the safety and efficacy of controlled psychedelic therapy when used alongside evidence-based treatments.
Historical Context and Future Implications
This study marks a historic return of federally-funded psychedelic research, a field that saw a sharp decline in the 1970s. “VA is on the cutting edge of clinical research for Veteran health, including in the investigation of psychedelics for mental health,” said Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D., underscoring the VA’s commitment to improving treatment options for America’s Veterans.
The findings could pave the way for more innovative treatments, offering hope to thousands of Veterans struggling with PTSD and related disorders. However, the VA has emphasized the importance of Veterans seeking treatment exclusively under professional medical supervision, discouraging self-medication with psychedelics.
This groundbreaking effort aims to advance Veteran health care and provides a renewed focus on harnessing emerging therapies to address the complex mental health challenges facing those who have served.
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