Speaker Bio
Samuli Kangaslampi, PhD, is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher affiliated with the Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Netherlands, on leave from a permanent position as University Lecturer in clinical psychology at Tampere University, Finland.
His research interests include psychological trauma and trauma-related disorders, stress and development, psychological interventions and their mechanisms of action, (autobiographical) memory, as well as MDMA and psychedelics. In relation to psychedelics, he has published on the role of mystical experiences in potential well-being effects, on methodological issues in psychedelic research, and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in adolescents. He is a licensed clinical psychologist, clinical trainer in narrative exposure therapy, speaker, vice chairperson of the Finnish Psychotrauma Society and board member of the Finnish Association for Psychedelic Research.
ICPR 2024 Abstract
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in adolescents?
Theoretical Background and Rationale
Millions of adolescents suffer from PTSD and current treatments leave room for improvement. With approval among adults of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) likely soon, the question of extending this treatment to adolescents is increasingly relevant.
Research Question and Hypothesis
Are there reasons to believe MDMA-AP could be effective for PTSD among adolescents? What may be potential risks specific to adolescents? How should MDMA-AP be tailored for use with adolescents?
Methods and Analysis
Review synthesizing evidence from existing (adult and animal) research on MDMA and MDMA-AP, from developmental psychology, and from current treatments for PTSD among adolescents.
Main Findings
MDMA-AP has potential for treating PTSD among adolescents, especially as MDMA may reduce avoidance and enable trauma processing, strengthen therapeutic alliance, and enhance extinction learning and trauma-related reappraisal. Adaptations to MDMA-AP for use with adolescents might focus on (1) reinforcing motivation, (2) the development of a strong therapeutic alliance, (3) additional emotion and behavior management techniques, (4) more directive exposure-based methods during MDMA sessions, (5) more support for concomitant challenges and integrating treatment benefits, and (6) involving family in treatment. Risks may include psychological adverse effects such as anxiety or self-harm, misuse potential, ethical concerns, and vulnerable position during treatment. Research should start from ascertaining physiological safety and age-specific dose finding.
Conclusion
There are reasons to believe MDMA-AP could work for PTSD in adolescents. Despite some potential risks and unknowns, careful trials among adolescents should be conducted to determine whether MDMA-AP is safe and effective among them.