MDMA-assisted therapy offers hope for brain injury recovery
By Myla Hightower. This article was initially published in the 1/23/25 edition of our Concussion Update newsletter; please consider subscribing.
MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) holds promise as a transformative approach to neurorehabilitation for military service members with neurological injuries, according to a review by Walter Dunn et al., published in NeuroRehabilitation. The review explores how MDMA, known for its success in treating PTSD, could address emotional and cognitive barriers that complicate recovery in military populations. By fostering trust, enhancing emotional openness, and increasing neuroplasticity, MDMA-AT may help improve outcomes for service members facing both physical and psychological trauma.
Dunn and colleagues note that MDMA-AT has already demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD symptoms in clinical trials, with sustained improvements over time. These findings suggest that MDMA’s prosocial and neuroplastic effects could also benefit military patients undergoing rehabilitation for conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, where emotional challenges often hinder recovery.
Military personnel often encounter unique challenges during neurorehabilitation, including feelings of shame, isolation, and distrust. These barriers, compounded by the military’s culture of operational readiness, can weaken the therapeutic alliance—a critical factor in successful recovery. MDMA’s ability to enhance interpersonal trust and reduce fear-based emotional responses could strengthen this alliance, facilitating greater engagement in therapy. Additionally, preclinical research has shown MDMA’s potential to promote neuroplasticity, fostering the relearning of skills and functional recovery following neurological injuries. The review emphasizes the urgent need for further research to expand MDMA’s applications beyond PTSD.
Integrating MDMA-AT into neurorehabilitation programs could offer a groundbreaking strategy for addressing the intersection of psychological and neurological trauma in military populations. By tackling both emotional and cognitive barriers, MDMA-AT may enable service members to achieve more effective and comprehensive recovery.
