The Department of War has approved two studies involving MDMA-assisted therapy for nearly 200 active-duty soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The upcoming trials aim to evaluate the effectiveness of MDMA in treating trauma and improving mental health among U.S. military personnel.
Funded through the National Defense Authorization Act signed in December 2023, the research allocates $4.9 million to Emory University and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Emory University is collaborating with the University of Texas Health Science Center on the trials. The study will involve 186 soldiers with PTSD who undergo three MDMA-assisted sessions over a 10-month period without deployment.
“Our men and women in uniform deserve every tool available to heal and stay in the fight,” said Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX).
If successful, the studies could pave the way for MDMA-assisted therapy to become a standard medical treatment for PTSD in the military.
