World-First Guide for MDMA Treatment of PTSD Released
12 Feb 2026
One GP has described the guide as “really sensible and really thorough.”
The guide is the first of its kind worldwide and aims to help doctors manage patients with PTSD using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP). This follows a 2023 decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to move MDMA from a Schedule 9 substance to Schedule 8, allowing trained psychiatrists to use it legally for PTSD treatment outside of clinical trials.
The authors, from Monash University, say the treatment should not be used as part of routine care. It is recommended only for adults over 18 who have had PTSD symptoms for at least six months, including moderate to severe symptoms in the past month. Patients should have already tried first-line treatments and should not be likely to face significant trauma during the therapy.
The guide comes after the Federal Government announced funding for MDMA-AP for eligible veterans with confirmed PTSD.
Dr Karen Spielman, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Psychological Medicine, praised the guide, saying it was thorough and sensible. She highlighted the importance of GPs working closely with psychiatrists to ensure the treatment is part of a patient’s overall care plan, not a replacement for it.
She noted that, for now, access may be limited due to the recent regulatory changes, few trained psychiatrists, and cost. But she said GPs play a key role in monitoring patients’ suitability, progress, safety, and long-term care.
The guide also strongly advises against using MDMA-AP for people who were excluded from clinical trials for safety reasons, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart problems, psychotic disorders, those experiencing thoughts of suicide or taking medicines that could interact with MDMA.
The authors said the field is evolving quickly, and the guide will be reviewed within five years—or sooner if new evidence emerges.
Dr Alene Yong from Monash University’s Centre for Medicine Use and Safety said the guide addresses a major gap, as almost half of people with PTSD do not respond to current treatments. She added that while MDMA-AP is now available in some private clinics, more guidance is needed for doctors to safely use it in practice.
The guideline has also been approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Monash University / RACGP / NHMRC
