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Herpers J, Maximets N, van Dongen NNN, Zijlmans J, Vermetten E. Expert opinions on implementation of MDMA-assisted therapy in Europe: critical appraisal towards training, clinical practice, and regulation. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2378651. [PMID: 39113624 PMCID: PMC11312992 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2378651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The positive results of MDMA from Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials in MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) call for a critical evaluation of its regulatory status within the European mental healthcare system. This is driven by the recent submission of MDMA-AT for FDA approval in the United States. Unless coordinated efforts in the European regulatory landscape start, there may be potential divergences in national regulatory strategies. Gaining insights from researchers and clinicians involved in the application of MDMA-AT may be useful in guiding the discussion of factors involved in its implementation.Method: A comprehensive invitation-only survey was sent to researchers and clinicians involved in MDMA-AT clinical trials and contributors to the scientific literature on MDMA-AT from around the globe. This study aimed to collect opinions on clinical practices, training, and regulation worldwide, examining the global best practices and pitfalls to outline strategies for possible European implementation of MDMA-AT.Results: The survey, which included responses from 68 experts, yielded a range of opinions where a large majority endorsed the need for training and standardization, emphasizing equity and access, stressing impediments in the national approval processes, and reflecting critically on anticipated spill-over effects of MDMA-AT in clinical settings.Conclusion: The experts highlight the need for science-informed policy development, active regulatory involvement, and international cooperation to incorporate MDMA-AT into the European mental healthcare system in general and the treatment of PTSD in particular. The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing research, open professional discourse, and collaborative engagement to facilitate MDMA-AT's ethical and effective implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Herpers
- GGZ Oost Brabant, Boekel, The Netherlands
- Uw Psychiater, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Natalie Maximets
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Josjan Zijlmans
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Colcott J, Guerin AA, Carter O, Meikle S, Bedi G. Side-effects of mdma-assisted psychotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1208-1226. [PMID: 38654146 PMCID: PMC11224236 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01865-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) has therapeutic potential for treatment of psychiatric illness. We conducted the first comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the side effects of MDMA-AP across indications. We also assessed the quality of side effects-reporting in published trials of MDMA-AP. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were systematically searched. Phase 2 and 3 MDMA-AP studies were included; Phase 1 studies, which assessed MDMA without psychotherapy, were not. Quality of side effects-reporting was assessed against the CONSORT Harms 2022 guidelines. We also compared numbers of adverse events reported in publications to those recorded in ClinicalTrial.gov registers. Thirteen studies were included, with eight contributing to the meta-analysis. In Phase 2 studies, MDMA-AP was associated with increased odds of any side effect during medication sessions (OR = 1.67, 95%CI (1.12, 2.49)) and in the 7 days following (OR = 1.59, 95%CI (1.12, 2.24)) relative to control conditions. In Phase 3 studies, MDMA-AP was associated with increased odds of any adverse event during the treatment period relative to placebo-assisted psychotherapy (OR = 3.51, 95%CI (2.76, 4.46)). The majority of RCTs were rated as having high risk of bias. Certainty of the evidence was rated as very low to moderate according to the GRADE framework. No included RCT had adequate adherence to the CONSORT Harms 2022 recommendations and reporting rates were also low. Compared to placebo, MDMA-AP was associated with increased odds of side effects, which were largely transient and mild or moderate in severity. However, identified limitations in existing evidence indicate that further investigation is needed to better characterize the safety profile of MDMA-AP and guide implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Colcott
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, and Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexandre A Guerin
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, and Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivia Carter
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sally Meikle
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gillinder Bedi
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, and Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Meikle S, Carter O, Bedi G. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, patient vulnerability and abuses of power. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2024; 58:104-106. [PMID: 37767944 DOI: 10.1177/00048674231200164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Meikle
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivia Carter
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gillinder Bedi
- Orygen, and the Cetre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Thal SB, Baker P, Marinis J, Wieberneit M, Sharbanee JM, Bruno R, Skeffington PM, Bright SJ. Therapeutic frameworks in integration sessions in substance-assisted psychotherapy: A systematised review. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 38148518 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics and related substances have been explored as potential adjuncts in substance-assisted psychotherapy (SAPT) for treating various disorders. SAPT can be divided into three phases: preparation, administration and integration. Integration is commonly defined as the comprehension and effective application of insights from psychedelic experiences into everyday life. However, there is limited research regarding the most appropriate therapeutic approach during SAPT. In this article, we discuss the current evidence for different therapeutic frameworks for integration sessions when serotonergic psychedelics and entactogens are used as adjuncts to psychotherapy. We conducted a systematised review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines and searched PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases. The final synthesis included 75 clinical trials, mixed-methods investigations, treatment manuals, study protocols, quasi-experiments, qualitative investigations, descriptive studies, opinion papers, reviews, books and book chapters, published until 11 November 2022. The effects that various therapeutic approaches for integration sessions have on therapeutic outcomes have not been investigated by means of rigorous research. Most of the available evidence we retrieved was not supported by empirical data, thus limiting any conclusive statements regarding appropriate therapeutic frameworks for integration sessions for SAPT. Current clinical studies have used a range of therapeutic frameworks with the majority drawing from the humanistic-experiential tradition. While integration is regarded as crucial for the safe application of SAPT, there is currently an insufficient evidence base to suggest that any type of therapy is effective for guiding integration sessions. A systematic investigation of different therapeutic frameworks for integration and additional therapy-related factors is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha B Thal
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paris Baker
- School of Medicine (Psychology), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jonathon Marinis
- Orygen Youth Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle Wieberneit
- Law School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jason M Sharbanee
- Enable Institute, Discipline of Psychology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Raimundo Bruno
- School of Medicine (Psychology), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Petra M Skeffington
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen J Bright
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Psychedelic Research in Science and Medicine (PRISM), Balwyn North, Victoria, Australia
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Kangaslampi S, Zijlmans J. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in adolescents: rationale, potential, risks, and considerations. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023:10.1007/s00787-023-02310-9. [PMID: 37814082 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02310-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine(MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) is a proposed treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may be approved for adults soon. PTSD is also common among trauma-exposed adolescents, and current treatments leave much room for improvement. We present a rationale for considering MDMA-AP for treating PTSD among adolescents. Evidence suggests that as an adjunct to therapy, MDMA may reduce avoidance and enable trauma processing, strengthen therapeutic alliance, enhance extinction learning and trauma-related reappraisal, and hold potential beyond PTSD symptoms. Drawing on existing trauma-focused treatments, we suggest possible adaptations to MDMA-AP for use with adolescents, focusing on (1) reinforcing motivation, (2) the development of a strong therapeutic alliance, (3) additional emotion and behavior management techniques, (4) more directive exposure-based methods during MDMA sessions, (5) more support for concomitant challenges and integrating treatment benefits, and (6) involving family in treatment. We then discuss potential risks particular to adolescents, including physical and psychological side effects, toxicity, misuse potential, and ethical issues. We argue that MDMA-AP holds potential for adolescents suffering from PTSD. Instead of off-label use or extrapolating from adult studies, clinical trials should be carried out to determine whether MDMA-AP is safe and effective for PTSD among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuli Kangaslampi
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Psychology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Josjan Zijlmans
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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