Psychedelic therapy for PTSD
Psychedelic therapy with psilocybin and MDMA is effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to various studies. Psilocybin, the psychoactive substance in magic mushrooms, has a mind-altering effect on the brain. MDMA activates the release of oxytocin and serotonin, which trigger positive emotions and feelings of safety and connection. Both substances can help reduce the fear and pain responses associated with PTSD. During the session, the participant can often enter a deep state of consciousness, allowing them to "detach" from the traumatic experience. The support provided can then help process the trauma and guide them toward a state of emotional healing and growth.
Psilocybin or MDMA for PTSD
Most psychologists prefer MDMA over psilocybin in the treatment of PTSD because it is easier to manage. MDMA acts on the reward system and primarily produces feelings of well-being, euphoria, and connection. The person taking MDMA remains positive and emotionally stable during the session, making it easier for the therapist to manage.
Guiding psilocybin therapy to treat PTSD is more difficult for novice practitioners because it's less predictable. A psilocybin session also requires more preparation, such as balancing neurotransmitters and providing information.
Because MDMA and psilocybin have different effects, they can also be used as needed. Some people with PTSD may benefit more from psilocybin, while others from MDMA.
When do you choose MDMA or psilocybin?
Psilocybin therapy
Psilocybin therapy may offer benefits in the treatment of PTSD. Psilocybin may be especially effective if depression also plays a role. Psilocybin therapy can help reinterpret the patient's emotions and thoughts and facilitate the processing of traumatic experiences.
Psilocybin can help release emotional blocks so that the session becomes an outlet for strong emotions, where a state of contentment and connection creates a feeling of safety.
Psilocybin therapy also creates space during the peak of the session for an experience that cannot be expressed in words. This is especially helpful for people who are unable to process their trauma through thoughts and conversations.
Another advantage of psilocybin is hallucinations. During some sessions, insights can arise from the visual effects being triggered.
MDMA therapy
MDMA therapy can be chosen if you feel blocked from talking and/or thinking about the trauma. People with PTSD typically struggle to talk about traumatic experiences because they experience fear, stress, and anxiety. MDMA can reduce these symptoms, making them more emotionally open to discussing their experiences. It also improves the coordination of the limbic system with the frontal cortex (responsible for language and logic). This makes it easier for patients to gain new insights and integrate emotional scars into their usual daily experiences. All of this can lead to more successful therapy and fewer psychological problems for people with PTSD.
Another reason to choose an MDMA session is that people with PTSD are relatively more likely to be afraid of the visual effects of psilocybin. During some psilocybin sessions, images of the trauma can be experienced as either okay or unpleasant.