MDMA-enhanced couples therapy shows promise for treating PTSD and relationship distress
Pairing a brief form of couples therapy with MDMA can lead to large improvements in PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction for veterans and their partners, even when only the diagnosed veteran receives the medication.
A preliminary study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress suggests a promising new approach to treating PTSD and improving relationship satisfaction for veterans and their partners. The research, led by Leslie A. Morland at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, combined cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy—a type of couples therapy that helps individuals and partners understand the impact of trauma on relationships—with MDMA, a psychoactive drug known for promoting empathy and social connection.
Eight couples participated in the study, with each veteran diagnosed with PTSD and their partner not diagnosised. The treatment lasted about seven weeks and involved eight sessions of brief cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy, augmented by two MDMA sessions. During these MDMA sessions, the veteran received an MDMA dose (starting at 80 milligrams, with a potential supplemental dose), while the partner was invited to observe and share their emotional responses.
The results were striking. PTSD symptoms significantly decreased, with veterans experiencing an average reduction of 16.1 points on a clinical assessment scale (0-80). Five out of eight veterans met the criteria for a clinically meaningful improvement. Relationship satisfaction also saw substantial gains, with an average increase of 27.9 points on a questionnaire measuring relationship happiness for the veterans and 19.8 points for their partners.
Four veterans and four partners reached a non-distressed range of relationship satisfaction by the end of the study.
Follow-up evaluations three and six months after the treatment indicated a slight return of symptoms, but overall, the improvements remained better than the initial scores. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. The study provides valuable evidence that combining brief therapy with MDMA can significantly benefit both individuals dealing with PTSD and their partners, potentially offering a new avenue for addressing both mental health and relationship issues simultaneously.
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