Originally appeared at: http://www.stripes.com/blogs/stripes-central/stripes-central-1.8040/new-treatment-for-ptsd-dropping-some-ecstasy-1.111637 The MDMA-PTSD study is briefly covered in a military blog. It’s not the most likely prescription for veterans already suffering from paranoia and emotional imbalance, but a group of researchers with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies in California are suggesting that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (better known as Ecstasy) could prove valuable in helping combat vets in dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. The study, which tracked only 20 patients, found veterans using Ecstasy were more receptive to counseling sessions than those on a placebo. Researchers said the effect was “immediate” and had “no evidence of impaired cognitive function as measured by neuropsychological testing.” MDMA has been used as a psychotherapy agent in the past, but has been illegal in the United States since it became a popular club drug in the 1980s. Researchers said they carefully screened study participants to ensure none had a history of chemical dependency or psychosis, and plan on starting a wider trial in coming months. But any such treatment would be a tough sell for the VA; Earlier this year, officials rejected calls for expanded use of marijuana for PTSD patients, noting that their doctors cannot consider prescribing anything illegal to patients. The MDMA-PTSD study is briefly covered in a military blog. The author thinks the VA will avoid studies with MDMA because ” Earlier this year, officials rejected calls for expanded use of marijuana for PTSD patients, noting that their doctors cannot consider prescribing anything illegal to patients.” But, since this writing the VA has switched positions and allows veterans in Medical Marijuana states to use medical cannabis.