VA Funds Research on Psychedelic Therapies for PTSD and Depression in Veterans
May 05, 2024
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to fund research into the use of psychedelic substances to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among Veterans. The announcement reflects a growing interest in exploring alternative therapies for former service members suffering from mental health conditions. It comes amid a shifting perspective on substances that were commonly linked to illicit use in party culture, marking the first time the department has initiated such research in decades.
A growing body of research has brought attention to the potential effectiveness of MDMA, commonly known as molly or ecstasy, and psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms,” in treating mental health conditions. However, VA officials said that such studies have mostly ignored veterans. Further investigation is needed to assess the impact of psychedelic-assisted therapies on former service members.
While VA scientists have previously conducted some studies on psychedelics, the research received funding from private institutions. The new funding reflects a concerted effort to delve deeper into the safety and efficacy of substances like MDMA and psilocybin under VA sponsorship.
The department did not reveal when the new research will start or the amount of funding available. VA officials also did not disclose when psychedelics may be approved for broader use in veterans’ mental health care. Department leaders, however, have started seeking applications for potential studies from researchers and academic institutions.
In September 2023, VA researchers convened with federal health officials to discuss the potential use of psychedelic-assisted therapies in VA care. VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal said the goal is to create the infrastructure needed for nationwide clinical trials. So far, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, known for studying MDMA’s potential to treat PTSD, has filed a New Drug Approval application with the Food and Drug Administration after conducting two clinical trials.
Given the tightly restricted nature of these substances under federal law, VA officials emphasized that the research will be conducted in compliance with strict safety protocols. The focus is on advancing research while prioritizing the well-being of study participants.
The fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act mandates the Defense Department to set up a process for funding research on the use of psychedelic substances to treat mental health conditions. Under the law, active-duty service members are allowed to take part in clinical trials for psychedelic treatments. However, the Defense Department must provide a report outlining the research along with the number of active-duty participants, their clinical results, and whether they could resume duty.
The law covers various psychedelics, including MDMA, psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, and ibogaine. Ibogaine, a compound present in the roots of an African shrub, has shown promising results in treating certain mental health conditions when combined with magnesium, according to a recent study from Stanford University.
Stanford University researchers published a study in the journal Nature demonstrating the positive effects of combining ibogaine with magnesium. The research involved 30 veterans and showed significant reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. The researchers intend to further explore the potential of this compound.
The VA said that while psychedelic substances may show promise in treating mental health conditions, veterans should refrain from using them for self-treatment purposes. There is still a lot of research that needs to be conducted to determine their safety and efficacy.
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