Psychedelics - A skeptical approach to MDMA aka Ecstasy

- - In the world of psychotropic medication, the question is not just whether it works or not, but whether it works better than a placebo and whether the effect size is clinically significant and the benefits outweigh the risks.  In the case of MDMA (aka molly or ecstasy), the effect size for improving post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms reported by researchers has been very large.  Often it is found to be two to three times higher than is often found for serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are currently the first line therapy for PTSD.  On the surface this is super exciting.  A deeper look will reveal why excitement may need to be tempered, and why an independent panel recommended that the FDA not approve this medication.

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