Efficacy of Psychoactive Drugs for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of MDMA, Ketamine, LSD and Psilocybin.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the efficacy of LSD, among other substances, for treating PTSD in adults.
Results Summary
The study did not include any trials on LSD that met the inclusion criteria, so no results regarding LSD's effects were reported.
Population
Adults with PTSD (though no LSD-specific trials were included).
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not available
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ketamine | no change | treatment for comorbid PTSD and depression | adults | very low | ranked as very low evidence | #1 |
ketamine in combination with psychotherapy | no change | PTSD treatment | adults | low | ranked as low evidence | #2 |
MDMA in combination with psychotherapy | no change | PTSD treatment | adults | moderate | ranked as moderate evidence | #3 |
The aim of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of MDMA, ketamine, LSD, and psilocybin for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A search of four databases for English language, peer-reviewed literature published from inception to 18th October 2019 yielded 2,959 records, 34 of which were screened on full-text. Observational studies and RCTs which tested the efficacy of MDMA, ketamine, LSD, or psilocybin for reducing PTSD symptoms in adults, and reported changes to PTSD diagnosis or symptomatology, were included. Nine trials (five ketamine and four MDMA) met inclusion criteria. Trials were rated on a quality and bias checklist and GRADE was used to rank the evidence. The evidence for ketamine as a stand-alone treatment for comorbid PTSD and depression was ranked "very low", and the evidence for ketamine in combination with psychotherapy as a PTSD treatment was ranked "low". The evidence for MDMA in combination with psychotherapy as a PTSD treatment was ranked "moderate".