MDMA and Psilocybin Therapies for PTSD

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 01/12/2024 10:01 AM EST

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Our Next Lecture

MDMA and Psilocybin Therapies for PTSD Treatment: Updates and Future Direction

Leslie Morland, PsyD and Joshua Woolley, MD

Wednesday, January 17 at 2:00pm ET

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Non-VA Providers: Register in TRAIN

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About the Presenters

LESLIE MORLAND, PsyD is a clinical psychologist at VA San Diego Healthcare System, senior researcher at the National Center for PTSD Women’s Health Science Division (NCPTSD-WHSD), and a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Dr. Morland devotes time to local and national leadership roles focused on evaluating the use of technology to increase access to and efficiency of evidence-based PTSD treatment for veterans in the Veterans Health Administration. In addition, as a research psychologist for the National Centerfor PTSD, Dr. Morland designs and implements multiple federally funded clinical trials examining the clinical efficacy of oxytocin and psychedelic-assisted evidence-based PTSD interventions for individuals and couples. She provides research consultation and mentorship on multiple research projects and national initiatives. Dr. Morland’s research has resulted in over 100 peer-reviewed publications, chapters, and invited presentations.

JOSHUA WOOLLEY, MD, PhD is Associate Professor at the University of California, San Francisco’s Weill Institute for Neurosciences and a staff psychiatrist at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Dr. Woolley is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist whose research is focused on developing and testing novel pharmacological interventions for individuals with mental illness. In addition to his research on the effects and mechanisms of oxytocin, Dr. Woolley has developed a program of research focused on investigating the psychological, behavioral, physiological, and neural effects of psilocybin and related compounds in individuals with psychiatric disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders. He has also conducted research on MDMA for PTSD and published articles describing current challenges in psychedelic research as well as recommendations on how to address these challenges particularly through better clinical trial design. His research has resulted in over 45 peer-reviewed publications.

About the Topic

Psychedelic assisted therapy such as MDMA and psilocybin for the treatment of mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression has received increased attention since their breakthrough status was designated by FDA. This presentation will provide an overview on the unique role psychedelics may play in the treatment of mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression. A review of the current literature and important gaps in the literature will be provided. Clinical implications and future research for the use of psychedelics for PTSD and depression will be highlighted.

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Featured Article

Cannabis Use and PTSD Among Veterans

Cannabis use for medical conditions is an issue of growing interest and concern. Some Veterans use cannabis to relieve symptoms of PTSD and several states specifically approve the use of medical cannabis for PTSD. However, research to date does not support cannabis as an effective PTSD treatment, and some studies suggest cannabis can be harmful, particularly when used for long periods of time. Given these concerns, cannabis is not recommended for the treatment of PTSD...

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Free Resources

Community Provider Training in Assessment of PTSD and Suicide Risk

Again this year we will partner with the Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program and the Center for Deployment Psychology to offer 2-day online trainings to licensed mental health providers who treat Veterans.

Our comprehensive training, led by a team of expert clinicians, will cover:

Military culture
How to assess and diagnose PTSD
Essential treatment recommendations
How to identify and assess suicide risk
Lethal means safety
Safety planning

Free continuing education credit will be available to those who complete the entire training.

Three options are available in 2024:

March 13-14
June 5-6
August 14-15

All sessions are Wednesday & Thursday 10am-6:30pm ET

LEARN MORE & APPLY ONLINE

VA and other federal government employees are not eligible for this training but can contact us about other training options.

PTSD Consultation Program for providers who treat veterans

Racial Stress and Trauma

We know that in spite of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders, racial stress and trauma are a reality for many Veterans. We offer consultation to providers who are treating Veterans who have experienced racial trauma. Providers can reach out to us via email or phone (see below).

Resources for Providers

Provider Guide to Addressing Patient Reactions to Race-Based Violence During PTSD Treatment
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Racial Trauma (PDF) PTSD Research Quarterly (February, 2021)
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in PTSD (PDF) PTSD Research Quarterly (October, 2020)

Resources to Share With Veterans

Racial Trauma A webpage written in plain language
Race, Culture, and PTSD section of AboutFace Veterans tell their stories in their own words

Are you treating U.S. Veterans?

Are you treating veterans? We can help. PTSD Consultation Program

Our team of expert clinicians is available to consult with any healthcare provider treating U.S. veterans in any setting.

We can discuss assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, medications, collaborating with VA care, patient and family education, continuing education, and just about anything else related to veterans and PTSD.

No question is too big or too small.

www.ptsd.va.gov/consult

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