The Department of Veterans Affairs is funding its first study for psychedelic-assisted therapy since the 1960s.
VA researchers affiliated with Brown University and Yale University will evaluate the potential of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted, or MDMA-assisted, therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder among veterans.
“VA is on the cutting edge of clinical research for veteran health, including in the investigation of psychedelics for mental health,” said Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal in a statement. “This study will give us better insight into the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment for veterans.”
Those taking part in the study will receive psychotherapy sessions enhanced by MDMA, a psychedelic compound believed to increase emotional openness, reduce fear, and promote introspection during therapy.
Some participants will be randomly chosen to receive an active placebo, which will be a lower dose of MDMA.
The study is scheduled to take place at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island and the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut. Enrollment is anticipated to begin in fiscal year 2025.
The grant award is approximately $1.5 million over five years. Treatments will be conducted in a clinical setting with strict safety protocols and following all appropriate federal guidelines for conducting studies with controlled substances.
Pharmaceutical-grade MDMA will be used, and participants will be closely monitored to ensure their well-being throughout the study.
This funding is part of a broader effort announced by VA in January to gather definitive scientific evidence on the potential efficacy and safety of psychedelic compounds such as MDMA and psilocybin when used in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat veterans with PTSD, depression, and other related conditions.
If you are a veteran struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, VA has resources here. Learn more about participating in VA research here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.