MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may help soldiers with PTSD reduce symptoms, rebuild lives, study finds

A study at Clalit Health Services' HaEmeek Medical Center found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in approximately 80% of participating soldiers, with most no longer meeting diagnostic criteria after treatment. This research addresses a growing need in Israel, where PTSD diagnoses have increased by about 70% since October 7. The treatment involves 13 psychotherapy sessions, including three supervised MDMA administrations, allowing patients to process traumatic memories with emotional regulation and psychological safety. Dr. Alon Reshef, the principal investigator, stated, "When patients begin treatment within the first month to one year after the traumatic event, their chances of recovery are significantly better." Both Dr. Reshef and co-leader Ronen Sidi emphasized that MDMA is a therapeutic tool, not a standalone cure, and warned against unsupervised use due to potential harm, stressing that it remains an illegal substance outside of authorized research.