Australia Leads the Way: Breakthrough Therapy for Depression and PTSD

Australia has become the first country that allows psychiatrists to prescribe MDMA and psilocybin to patients with treatment-resistant PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or treatment-resistant depression. This groundbreaking decision, effective since July 1, 2023, involves the reclassification of these substances from the strictest controlled category, schedule 9 (prohibited substances), to schedule 8 (controlled drugs), exclusively for medical purposes in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Both MDMA and psilocybin have now been officially added to the list of approved medicines by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Source: Reddit

Originally developed as an appetite suppressant in 1912, MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, once found a place in therapy sessions until it was banned in the US in the mid-1970s. Fast forward to the 1980s, and it arrived in Australia as a party drug, gaining infamy and eventually criminalization in 1987. However, research slowly started up again in the 2000s, with recent trials demonstrating the potential of both MDMA and psilocybin to improve depression symptoms, although little is known about how the research takes place.

Mind Medicine Australia (MMA), a charity which lobbied for psychedelic treatments, is helping to train health professionals tasked with procuring and prescribing the drugs. They are required to be an Authorized Prescriber (AP) under the TGA’s Authorised Prescriber scheme. They also need to obtain approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) before seeking approval to be an AP.

Both MDMA and psilocybin are going to be administered in controlled, therapeutic settings, combined with psychotherapy. It aims to provide a transformative experience that holds the promise of emotional healing and enhanced mental well-being, particularly for those who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments.

MDMA or 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine has the capacity to 

  • Lower psychological defenses
  • Creates connection with self
  • Allows emotional exploration
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Allows empathy for self and others

These qualities have proven in research to treat PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Psilocybin, found in certain strain of mushrooms, can

  • Create insightfulness
  • Experience of unity
  • Promotes neuroplasticity
  • Induces mystical experiences, giving a sense of meaning and purpose
  • Increases openness and flexibility in thinking and problem solving  

Australia’s bold move signals a new era in mental health care, where psychedelic therapies are gaining recognition and reshaping the conversation around depression and PTSD treatments. 

I am happy to announce that I have completed Mind Medicine in Australia – please reach out if you have trouble through traditional treatment. 

Be Unnumbered

Health is more than medicine. Proactive health, that is evidence based, cost effective and empowers you! Be the master of your health.

In this easy to understand book you can get to the root cause of your health. This book is revolutionary for medicine. It shows that superior outcomes can be brought about by non-pharmological interventions. With you being the master of your own health. This book is dedicated to you. You are not a number. You are unique. You are Unnumbered.

Related Posts

Fiber Up: The Key to Better Digestive Health

Fiber Up: The Key to Better Digestive Health

You may often hear people say “Eat more fiber! They are good for your health.” However, have you ever wondered why are they good for your health? And what exactly is fiber? Fiber, also known as dietary fiber, is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods that...

The Thin Line Between Flexibility and EDS

The Thin Line Between Flexibility and EDS

Do you find yourself more flexible than most, or have you ever wondered how contortionists could be so flexible? The answer is, they may have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.  Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders, characterized by...

The Importance of Hydration

The Importance of Hydration

The most common sign of dehydration could be the nagging itch at the back of your throat. For many, this scenario is very familiar, especially for those working in the construction industry. As we celebrate World’s Water Day, let’s familiarize ourselves with...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *