Ecstasy can treat trauma patients

Ecstasy can help the victims of post-traumatic stress overcome their demons, research has shown. In tests, the illegal dance drug had a dramatic effect on previously untreatable patients who suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Doctors held two eight-hour psychotherapy sessions during which they administered the chemical MDMA. Two months later, 80 per cent of those treated no longer had symptoms, said the researchers led by Dr Rick Doblin, president of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies in Santa Cruz, California. In contrast, just two out of eight patients offered a placebo showed an improvement.