The Bipartisan Push for PTSD Treatment
A bipartisan group of 80 members of Congress is urging President Biden and the FDA to expedite consideration of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. This surprising alliance comes as a response to the severe veteran suicide crisis, with approximately 6,000 veterans dying by suicide annually. The current treatments for PTSD have shown limited effectiveness, leaving about 13 million U.S. adults struggling with the condition each year.
The FDA is set to make a decision on MDMA for PTSD treatment by August 11, and the pressure is mounting from both sides of the political aisle. This unprecedented show of bipartisanship highlights the urgency of finding new solutions for our veterans and others suffering from PTSD.
In a show of bipartisanship, 80 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have united in letters urging Biden and the FDA to further consider studies on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD https://t.co/0loHrjaEO1
— WKBT News 8 (@news8news) August 5, 2024
The Controversial Nature of MDMA Therapy
While the support from Congress is significant, the proposed treatment is not without controversy. FDA advisers have raised questions about the integrity of the trial and missing safety data. MDMA, currently classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, has long been associated with recreational use and potential abuse.
“It is our understanding that while these critics may be well-intentioned, their criticism is not necessarily reflective of the science, but rather their personal ideological beliefs and biases related to the medicalization of substances like MDMA,” – House letter
Despite these concerns, the VA is preparing for the potential approval of MDMA-assisted therapy, indicating a shift in perspective on alternative treatments for PTSD.
Veteran Support and Personal Experiences
Veteran service organizations and individual veterans have expressed strong support for making MDMA-assisted therapy accessible. Rep. Jack Bergman, a retired three-star general, is leading the effort in the House of Representatives, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative solutions to the veteran suicide crisis.
“The evidence is clear: MDMA-AT is a safe and effective form of therapy for our veterans who suffer from invisible wounds of service.” – Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich.
Adding a personal touch to the debate, Rep. Morgan Luttrell, a Texas Republican and former Navy SEAL, shared his experience with psychedelic treatments received in Mexico. His firsthand account lends credibility to the potential benefits of these alternative therapies for veterans struggling with PTSD.
Sources
With FDA decision looming, bipartisan group of lawmakers urge support for MDMA to treat PTSD
With FDA decision looming, bipartisan group of lawmakers urge support for MDMA to treat PTSD
Why 80 lawmakers are urging Joe Biden to re-examine the medical use of MDMA
More From Around The Web
Videos:
MDMA COULD HELP VETERANS WITH PTSD, RESEARCHERS SAY – YOUTUBE
STUDY: MDMA THERAPY FOR PTSD SHOWS POSITIVE RESULTS – YOUTUBE
ECSTATIC STATES: TREATING PTSD WITH MDMA – YOUTUBE
MDMA ASSISTED THERAPY FOR PTSD – YOUTUBE
MDMA, PSYCHOTHERAPY, AND THE FUTURE OF PTSD TREATMENT | BRAD BURGE | TEDXSALEM
BIDEN IS IN ‘PURGATORY’ AFTER SHOWING SOME COMMAND BUT STUMBLING AT PRESS CONFERENCE
VETERAN SHARES HOPE FOR MDMA-ASSISTED THERAPY APPROVAL FOR PTSD – YOUTUBE
Tweets:
In a show of bipartisanship, 80 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have united in letters urging Biden and the FDA to further consider studies on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD https://t.co/0loHrjaEO1
— WKBT News 8 (@news8news) August 5, 2024