EARLY evidence suggests that MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) may provide lasting relief for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), according to a recent follow-up study in Norway.
Long-Term Effects of MDMA-Assisted Therapy on Depression
In a publicly funded, single-site proof-of-principle trial, twelve participants with moderate to severe MDD received two MDMA dosing sessions spaced one month apart, integrated with nine psychotherapy sessions. Researchers assessed depression severity and functional impairment at baseline, post-treatment, and at a seven-month follow-up.
All twelve participants attended the follow-up visit, with significant reductions in depressive symptoms, measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, and functional disability, assessed via the Sheehan Disability Scale. The study also found sustained improvements across all exploratory measures, including anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Importantly, suicidal ideation remained stable and did not exceed pre-study levels, supporting the long-term safety of MDMA-AT.
“This long-term follow-up study of MDMA-assisted therapy provides preliminary evidence supporting sustained treatment effects and long-term safety in MDD,” the authors reported.
Why MDMA-Assisted Therapy Matters
Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of global disability, and conventional treatments often fail to produce lasting benefit. MDMA-AT, which combines the psychoactive effects of MDMA with structured psychotherapy, offers a novel approach that may address this unmet need.
By enhancing emotional processing and therapeutic engagement, MDMA-AT may help patients break patterns of rumination and emotional avoidance, which are common in MDD. Previous research has primarily focused on short-term outcomes, making this seven-month follow-up an important step in understanding its potential durability.
Looking Ahead
While these findings are promising, the study’s small, open-label design limits generalisability. Researchers emphasise the need for larger, controlled trials to validate these results and clarify optimal dosing schedules, patient selection, and integration with psychotherapy.
MDMA-assisted therapy represents a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of depression, complementing existing pharmacological and psychotherapeutic strategies. If further studies confirm these results, MDMA-AT could become a valuable tool for patients whose symptoms do not respond to conventional therapies.
Reference
Kvam T-M et al. MDMA-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder: A seven-month follow-up proof of principle trial. J Psychiatr Res. 2026; DOI:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.11.030.
