Soldiers are being given ecstasy in a radical bid to ease crippling PTSD.
They take the Class A drug as part of a pioneering therapy trial to help them open up, confront and overcome their trauma.
If it works it would give hope to thousands afflicted by the condition – and could prevent scores of suicides.
General Sir Nick Carter, the former Chief of the Defence staff, said of the trial at London’s Kings College Hospital: “PTSD is a truly debilitating illness and this may show the way to a much better treatment which our veterans need.”
General Carter is patron of the charity Supporting Wounded Veterans, which raised more than £1.5million to bring the trials to London.
A similar study has been hailed a success in the United States. Ecstasy is illegal in the UK but can be used in medical trials under strict guidelines. MDMA, the chemical component, creates “a sense of euphoria” which may allow veterans to talk freely.
Each volunteer will take up to three doses over a course of several months. Research by King’s College in 2018 found up to 9% of the UK’s 2.4million veterans – around 216,000 – could have PTSD.
King’s College said: “MDMA, in a clinical environment and with support of a trained therapist, allows the patient to revisit their trauma without becoming overwhelmed, increasing the likelihood that the therapy is effective.”
Gilly Norton, CEO of Supporting Wounded Veterans, said: “We hope this trial will see if it is possible to reset the dial on mental health treatment for PTSD and offer them a way back to living their lives to the fullest.”
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
