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Podcasts Take Two
Scientists look to ecstasy to treat PTSD
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May 21, 2014
Listen • 4:45
Scientists look to ecstasy to treat PTSD
Studies of MDMA — often called "ecstasy" or "molly" — suggest the drug could be a valuable tool for treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), researchers say.
Ecstacy had a track record of use in couples therapy before it exploded onto the 1980s rave party scene.
Ecstasy had a track record of use in couples therapy before it exploded onto the 1980s rave party scene.
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Fernando Camino/Cover/Getty Images
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Studies of MDMA — often called "ecstasy" or "molly" — suggest the drug could be a valuable tool for treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), researchers say.

This is Part Three of our Psychedelic Science series. Click here for Part One, here for Part Two, and here for Part Four.

Studies of MDMA — often called "ecstasy" or "molly" — suggest  the drug could be a valuable tool for treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), researchers say.

MDMA had a track record of use in couples therapy before it exploded onto the 1980s rave party scene. In 1985 the federal government classified it as a dangerous and illegal “schedule one” drug with "no currently accepted medical use."

But nearly a dozen recent studies of its therapeutic potential are changing attitudes.

KPCC's Stephanie O'Neill reports.