US could soon approve MDMA therapy • Hacker News Board

Re: US could soon approve MDMA therapy

#101

Post by tel » Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 2:01 PM UTC

fasterik wrote: post #82

themitigating wrote: post #66

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think his argument is that the US should focus on trying to solve the underlying issues, either first or at least concurrently

PTSD can be caused by literally any traumatic, life-threatening situation. How is the US supposed to "solve" that?

Honestly, facilitate a culture of supportive interconnection between people where we are less afraid to share our deepest selves, even when they are shameful and painful, and more confident that we will receive the open-hearted support we need at a time like that.

So, I do understand why we turn to medication.

Re: US could soon approve MDMA therapy

#102

Post by starkd » Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 2:01 PM UTC

abyssin wrote: post #22

rtkwe wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Except there are pretty strong indications of medical benefits to MDMA and psilocybin in therapy for things like PTSD and treatment resistant depression. Studies are frustratingly limited because of the extreme scheduling of the drugs that lasted for decades.

I believe in the medical potential of compounds like MDMA and I don’t think the science is especially flawed. What I’m questioning is the motivation of some lobbying organizations’ members.

But do you believe it because of the science or because you really really want to believe it? That's a serious question. I don't expect a ready answer.

Re: US could soon approve MDMA therapy

#103

Post by goolz » Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 2:03 PM UTC

davidw wrote: post #89

Oregon recently legalized "shrooms" in therapeutical settings and is gearing up for that to start: https://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/oregons-first-licens...

I find this to be a great start and have had some very productive results with medicinal shrooms that I got in D.C. I would say that the experiences bordered on the profound and definitely helped me move past some recent near-death trauma in my life.

While I am not as much of a fan of MDMA I could see a similar situation where, if done responsibly, it could yield wonderful results. Best of luck to all the researchers out there trying to make this possible. RIP Sasha and Ann.

Re: US could soon approve MDMA therapy

#104

Post by fallingknife » Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 2:05 PM UTC

dpflan wrote: post #78

55555 wrote: post #74

Sweet I can't wait until I can get it prescribed online by answering a questionnaire for $25 and have some shady doctor in Florida ship me a gram of molly in the mail. Sorry autocorrect I mean I can't wait for more startup innovation in the telehealth space.

Sure, it will happen, but maybe it can be better regulated. But maybe it goes well with those ivermectin doses you also got prescribed over Zoom...

How about no. I shouldn't have to ask permission from bureaucrats and pay doctors if I think a medication can help me. I've taken adderall for 15 years now, and I still have to pay a doctor $200 (he doesn't take insurance) every 3 months for my prescription. That's about $12,000 I've paid him now, and he doesn't do a damn thing.

Re: US could soon approve MDMA therapy

#105

Post by JAlexoid » Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 2:05 PM UTC

themitigating wrote: post #66

fasterik wrote: post #52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I see a few issues with your argument. Just because something has underlying social factors doesn't mean that it shouldn't also be treated with drugs and therapy. The latest wave of psychedelic research is not simply pushing a prescription drug; all of the research on MDMA, psilocybin, etc. is finding that these drugs work within a clinical setting paired with therapy. Also, I wasn't able to find a source saying that…

I think his argument is that the US should focus on trying to solve the underlying issues, either first or at least concurrently

Except that it also includes a heavy dose on thinly veiled transphobia. Which is a contributing factor to mental issues and stigma.

Re: US could soon approve MDMA therapy

#106

Post by systemtest » Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 2:06 PM UTC

bluetomcat wrote: post #20

As an outsider, that American obsession with prescripted medication seems maddening. Many of these conditions are caused by underlying societal factors and are nowhere near as widespread outside the US. The American solution is to throw more pills at the problem, or ostracise the patients not willing to take that route. Even children are offered an ever larger number of pills, and are constantly challenged about thei…

I am not sure if medication is due to societal factors.

The list of countries with high antidepressant consumption is topped by Iceland, Australia, Portugal, UK, Canada and Sweden. All countries with a high quality of life, good safety nets, universal healthcare. Australia, Sweden and Iceland are exemplary progressive countries that are in the top 10 of the Human Development Index.

Re: US could soon approve MDMA therapy

#107

Post by goolz » Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 2:06 PM UTC

openstep wrote: post #10

For anyone interested, I highly recommend these two books: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PiHKAL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TiHKAL It's a fascinating read about the chemist Alexander Shulgin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Shulgin

Hamilton's Pharmacopeia has some wonderful exchanges between Hamilton, Sasha and Ann. What beautiful souls, who brought so much light to this world.

Re: US could soon approve MDMA therapy

#108

Post by notch898c » Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 2:07 PM UTC

galangalalgol wrote: post #79

themitigating wrote: post #66

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think his argument is that the US should focus on trying to solve the underlying issues, either first or at least concurrently

A good starting place might be the inability to afford the very treatments and medications being studied by a large portion of the population.

I would also revoke all the mandatory reporting and other reporting laws for therapists, and remove the ability for government to use therapy/medical records for considering licensing or security clearances. These are barriers that keep people that need therapy most from seeking it.

Re: US could soon approve MDMA therapy

#109

Post by bheadmaster » Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 2:07 PM UTC

hellweaver666 wrote: post #99

fasterik wrote: post #82

Earlier quoted context omitted.

PTSD can be caused by literally any traumatic, life-threatening situation. How is the US supposed to "solve" that?

erm... reduce the number of traumatic, life-threatening situations by taking away the guns? Get your police force under control and stop trying to control peoples minds and bodies could be a good start?

I am fairly skeptical of the claim that banning guns would significantly reduce gun violence. People who commit the most gun violence crimes (criminals) will find a way to get guns regardless of the laws.

I live in a country where it's very hard to get weapons legally, yet almost every drug bust in the news also contains a significant amount of confiscated firearms.

Re: US could soon approve MDMA therapy

#110

Post by JAlexoid » Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 2:08 PM UTC

starkd wrote: post #48

Glench wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> As an outsider, that American obsession with prescripted medication seems maddening. Totally sympathize with that viewpoint, but I'm not sure if this commenter knows that MDMA will not be a prescription medication — no one is prescribed or goes home with MDMA. The treatment in the trials is only 3 medication-assisted therapy sessions with normal preparation and integration therapy sessions before and after. After t…

People will use it as justification to buy it illegally.

MDMA is no less popular in Europe, than it is in US.

You should read up on harm reduction.