What is MDMA?
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic compound known for its empathogenic, or empathy-enhancing, effects. MDMA is often described as a “connectogen”—a term people use to highlight its tendency to increase feelings of emotional openness, empathy, and connection with others.
In this therapy, pharmaceutical-grade MDMA is administered in a controlled, supervised clinical setting. It is not currently an approved medication for PTSD outside of research or special access programmes and remains a controlled substance. The use of MDMA in this therapeutic context is strictly regulated and overseen by appropriate authorities.
MDMA-AT for PTSD:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can arise after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events and may lead to intrusive memories, avoidance behaviours, emotional numbing, hyperarousal, and functional impairments among other symptoms. MDMA-AT is an innovative therapeutic approach aimed at alleviating the symptoms of PTSD, especially in individuals who have not responded to conventional treatments. It combines the use of MDMA with structured therapy to support emotional processing, reduce fear responses, and promote healing.
MDMA-AT for PTSD facilitates a therapeutic window in which individuals can revisit traumatic material without becoming overwhelmed by fear or distress. With the support of trained therapists, patients can reprocess traumatic memories, develop new insights, and integrate emotional experiences more fully.
This therapy is given in a triplet of sessions: preparation sessions, the medicine session, and follow-on integration sessions. This treatment is provided by two therapists present for all aspects of the treatment.
Preparation – typically 2-5 sessions
- Several sessions with a therapist to build trust
- Discussion of your history, goals, and concerns
- Ensure appropriateness for this treatment
- Guidance on how to navigate the experience
Dosing session – a full day session
- Conducted in a calm, supervised environment
- Sessions last up to 6 hours with therapists present the entire time
Integration – typically 2-5 sessions
- Follow-up therapy sessions to process the experience
- Translating insights into real-life changes
Some key points
- Improvements can happen within days but changes and benefits may unfold over the ensuing months
- Durability: Some have reported benefits lasting years after just a few sessions
- Therapy matters: It’s not just the drug—participants should receive psychological support before, during, and after the session
Frequently Asked Questions
How does MDMA work?
MDMA increases levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain, and stimulates the release of oxytocin and prolactin. In clinical settings, MDMA does not produce hallucinations, but promotes a state of heightened emotional safety, openness, and reduced fear—conditions that can support therapeutic processing of trauma.
What are the potential benefits of MDMA-Assisted Therapy?
MDMA-AT has shown promising results in large scale clinical trials with many participants reporting significant and lasting reductions in PTSD symptoms. Reported benefits have included:
- Reduction in intrusive memories and nightmares
- Decreased emotional reactivity and avoidance
- Increased emotional openness and trust
- Enhanced therapeutic engagement and insight
- Improved relationships, mood, and quality of life
Further reading on the science behind MDMA-AT
- Jerome L, Feduccia AA, Wang JB, Hamilton S, Yazar-Klosinski B, Emerson A, et al. Long-term follow-up outcomes of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD: a longitudinal pooled analysis of six phase 2 trials. Psychopharmacology. 2020;237(8):2485-97
- Mitchell JM, Bogenschutz M, Lilienstein A, Harrison C, Kleiman S, Parker-Guilbert K, et al. MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nature medicine. 2021.
- Mitchell JM, Ot’alora G M, van der Kolk B, Shannon S, Bogenschutz M, Gelfand Y, et al. MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Nature medicine. 2023;29(10):2473-80
- Shahrour G, Sohail K, Elrais S, Khan MH, Javeid J, Samdani K, et al. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Neuropsychopharmacol Rep. 2024;44(4):672-81
Ecdysis Clinical Psychedelic Therapy does not offer crisis or after-hours support. In the case of an emergency, please phone 111, go to your nearest emergency department, or phone your local Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand (formerly DHB) mental health crisis team which can be located here: https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/mental-health/crisis-assessment-teams.
The Wellington, Hutt, and Kapiti crisis phone number is 0800 745 477
The Wairarapa crisis phone number is 0508 432 432
- Services
General Psychiatry
Ecdysis provides comprehensive mental health care for individuals experiencing a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties.
Ketamine assisted therapy
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic with a few very different uses— a medical anaesthetic, a treatment for pain, and a fast-acting treatment for certain mental health conditions.
Psilocybin assisted therapy
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms (often called “magic mushrooms”).