Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy in 12 Subjects With PTSD

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare full dose MDMA-assisted therapy to placebo with therapy in participants with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. The main question it aims to answer is: Does MDMA-assisted therapy versus placebo with therapy reduce PTSD symptoms?

Participants will receive either MDMA-assisted therapy or placebo with therapy during two blinded experimental sessions spaced three to five weeks apart. During experimental sessions, participants receive an initial dose of 125 mg of MDMA, or placebo, followed by a dose of 62.5 mg of MDMA, or placebo. During this treatment period, participants will also undergo non-drug preparatory therapy sessions and non-drug integration sessions.

Researchers will compare PTSD symptoms in the MDMA-assisted therapy group to the placebo with therapy group to see if there is a reduction in symptoms after the treatment period. Safety measures will also be assessed between groups.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in response to a traumatic event or events. PTSD is a public health problem that causes a great deal of suffering and accounts for a significant portion of health care costs.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study will assess the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy in treating chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. In Stage 1, participants will be randomized to either MDMA-assisted therapy or placebo with therapy during two blinded experimental sessions, spaced three to five weeks apart. During experimental sessions, participants receive an initial dose of 125 mg of MDMA, or placebo, followed by a dose of 62.5 mg of MDMA, or placebo. During this treatment period, participants will also undergo non-drug preparatory therapy sessions and non-drug integration sessions. After this treatment period, participants will complete the primary endpoint assessment and the study will become unblinded.

Participants who were assigned to receive MDMA-assisted therapy will receive a third session of MDMA-assisted therapy that is open-label and participants assigned to receive placebo with therapy will have the option to enter Stage 2. Stage 2 will explore the optimal therapeutic dose of MDMA in a clinical titration dosing strategy. Participants will receive MDMA-assisted with an initial dose of 100 mg followed by a dose of 50 mg of MDMA for the first experimental session. In the second and third experimental sessions, participants will have the option to increase the dose to an initial dose of 125 mg followed by a dose of 62.5 mg.

A blinded independent rater will assess PTSD symptoms via the CAPS-IV as well as other secondary outcome measures and safety measures.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with moderate to severe PTSD;
* Have chronic PTSD, defined as persisting for longer than 6 months;
* Have treatment-resistant PTSD, meaning unable to achieve remission despite previous therapy or medication or discontinued treatment due to inability to tolerate previous therapy or medication;
* Are willing to refrain from taking any psychiatric medications during the study period;
* Willing to remain overnight at the study site;
* Agree to have transportation home after experimental sessions;
* Are willing to be contacted via telephone for all necessary telephone contacts;
* Must have a negative pregnancy test if able to bear children, and agree to use an effective form of birth control;
* Are proficient in speaking and reading English;
* Agree not to participate in any other interventional clinical trials during the duration of this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Are pregnant or nursing, or if of child bearing potential, are not practicing an effective means of birth control;
* Weigh less than 48 kg;
* Are unable to give adequate informed consent;
* Upon review of past and current drugs/medication must not be on or have taken a medication that is exclusionary;
* Upon review of medical or psychiatric history must not have any current or past diagnosis that would be considered a risk to participation in the study.