Story perspectives

Australia Approves MDMA Therapy for PTSD with Promising Results

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Australia has begun allowing psychiatrists to use MDMA to treat PTSD.
Early results show more than half report significant relief, with no serious adverse events among nearly 200 participants.
Dr. Ranil Gunewardene, a psychiatrist in Sydney, said outcomes from MDMA-assisted therapy are extraordinary compared with conventional treatments.
The approach faces limitations as psychedelic medicine draws regulator scrutiny, contrasting with U.S. debates on MDMA safety.

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Story summary

Australia has begun allowing psychiatrists to use MDMA to treat PTSD.
Early results show more than half report significant relief, with no serious adverse events among nearly 200 participants.
Dr. Ranil Gunewardene, a psychiatrist in Sydney, said outcomes from MDMA-assisted therapy are extraordinary compared with conventional treatments.
The approach faces limitations as psychedelic medicine draws regulator scrutiny, contrasting with U.S. debates on MDMA safety.