Ecstacy may be used to treat post-trauma stress

The "street drug" Ecstasy may help suffers of post-traumatic stress learn to deal with their memories, according to an article in the  Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Studies have shown that a type of psychological treatment called  exposure therapy - where the patient repeatedly recalls the traumatic  experience or is repeatedly exposed to situations that are safe, but  still trigger their traumatic feelings - can be effective in relieving  stress responses in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder and  other anxious conditions. To improve outcomes, scientists have been  investigating the use of drug therapies to enhance the effect of  exposure therapy, making the result of exposure to the fear trigger  easier, faster and more effective.

Psychiatrists that have administered  3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine, most commonly known by the  street name ecstasy, to anxiety patients have noted that it promotes  emotional engagement; strengthens the bond between the patient and  doctor, known as the therapeutic alliance; decreases emotional  avoidance; and improves tolerance for recall and processing of painful  memories.