VA Funds $1.5 Million Study on MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Veterans with PTSD, First Psychedelic Research Since 1960s

Dec 5, 2024, 04:04 PM

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a historic initiative to fund a $1.5 million study on MDMA-assisted therapy aimed at treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder among veterans. This marks the VA's first support for psychedelic research since the 1960s. Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Lou Correa (D-CA) have expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to address the veteran suicide crisis, which is reported to be 57% higher than that of civilians. The five-year study will be conducted by researchers from Brown University and Yale University. The decision to explore MDMA as a therapeutic option reflects a growing interest in psychedelics for mental health treatment, particularly in light of recent studies indicating their efficacy in reducing symptoms of PTSD and depression.