MDMA for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Are We There Yet? .

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress and trauma related disorder characterized by a heightened stress-response or avoidance associated with a traumatic event. In its severe form, PTSD remains a debilitating condition causing significant disability despite the already established treatment options. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA, is a psychoactive substance that has been studied since the 1960s as a possible viable treatment for different psychiatric disorders including PTSD. It has undergone multiple trials testing its viability and has been found to be relatively safe for use. However, the topic of efficacy remains controversial being held back by limitations whether legislative, ideological, or cultural. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]