NCT07288151 · Emory University
MDMA-Assisted Massed Exposure Therapy for PTSD
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effectiveness of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine hydrochloride (MDMA) combined with Massed Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adult participants diagnosed with PTSD. This randomly assigned, compared against an inactive treatment trial will enroll 95 participants.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the efficacy of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine hydrochloride (MDMA) combined with Massed Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adult participants diagnosed with PTSD. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial will enroll 95 participants.
Interventions
DRUG
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
MDMA is a synthetic compound, commonly administered as MDMA hydrochloride (HCl). The drug will be administered in 100mg doses for a single session on Visit 2 out of 10- day study sessions over 2 weeks. MDMA is administered orally in capsule form and is taken under supervision in a controlled, therapeutic environment
DRUG
Placebo
Placebos will visually match the 3 MDMA capsules (40mg, 40mg, and 20mg).
BEHAVIORAL
Massed Prolonged Exposure (PE)
Massed exposure therapy will be conducted for 11 sessions, 10 daily sessions and an additional therapy session during V2. They will consist of repeated exposures to trauma memories (imaginal exposure) consistent with the manualized protocol for massed exposure therapy. Also consistent with this treatment manual, participants will listen to imaginal exposures outside of PE sessions for "homework."
Primary outcome measures
Changes in PTSD symptoms measured by CAPS-5-R
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month post-treatment
The CAPS-5-R is a structured clinical interview used to assess PTSD symptoms based on DSM-5 criteria. Each symptom is rated on frequency and intensity * Combined into a severity score per item * Total score reflects overall PTSD symptom severity
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- PTSD diagnosis as assessed by Clinician-Administered Posttraumatic Stress Scale for DSM-5 - Revised (CAPS-5-R).
- Able to speak and read English (due to standardization of outcome measures).
- Willing to sign a release for the investigators to communicate with their primary care or mental health providers if indicated.
- Able to swallow pills.
- Agree to have study visits video and/or audio recorded, including Experimental Session, assessments, and non-drug therapy sessions.
- Willing to provide a contact (relative, spouse, close friend, or another support person) who is willing and able to be contacted by the investigators.
- Agree to inform the investigators within 48 hours of any medical conditions and procedures.
- If able to become pregnant, must have a negative pregnancy test before study entry, at study entry, and before the Medicine Session. Must agree to use adequate birth control for a month before the Medicine session and through 10 days after the Medicine Session.
- Agree to the following lifestyle modifications: comply with requirements for fasting and refraining from certain medications before the Medicine Session, and not participating in any other interventional clinical trials during the duration of the study, are driven home or to a hotel after the Medicine Session, and commit to medication dosing, therapy, and study procedures
Exclusion criteria
- Are not able to give adequate informed consent.
- Have previously participated in a Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) sponsored MDMA clinical trial.
- Have any current problem which, in the opinion of the investigator or study physician, might interfere with participation.
- Have hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the Investigational Medicinal Product (IMP).
- Upon review of medical or psychiatric history and psychiatric assessment, have any current or past diagnosis that would be considered a risk to participating in the study
- Requires ongoing psychiatric medication use with certain exceptions. Individuals may decide to taper psychiatric medications under the guidance of their local provider.
- Have a history of any medical condition that could make receiving MDMA dangerous because of increases in blood pressure and heart rate or any medical condition the study physician believes would pose a safety risk or interfere with the effects of the treatment. Any medical disorder judged by the investigator to significantly increase the risk of MDMA administration by any mechanism is exclusionary.
- Have any unstable medical condition that would interfere with participation.
- Have uncontrolled hypertension) documented on three separate occasions.
- Have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or any other accessory pathway that has not been successfully eliminated by ablation.
- Have a history of ever having ventricular arrhythmia or any other abnormal heart rhythm that the study physician believes would pose a significant risk of participation.
- Have an abnormal finding on electrocardiogram
- Have a history of additional risk factors for Torsade de Pointes (e.g., heart failure, hypokalemia, family history of Long QT Syndrome).
- Require the use of concomitant medications that could impact the effects or safety of MDMA during the Medicine Session.
- Have symptomatic liver disease or significant liver enzyme elevations.
- Have a history of hyponatremia or hyperthermia.
- Weigh less than 48 kilograms (105 lbs.).
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have engaged in ketamine-assisted therapy or used ketamine within 12 weeks of enrollment
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
Collaborators
United States Department of Defense
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 26, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations