Australian doctor makes history by writing first-ever MDMA subscription to treat PTSD patient

In a historic development, Australian psychiatrist Dr. Ted Cassidy, co-founder of Monarch Mental Health Group (MMHG), made history by writing world’s first prescription for the party drug MDMA to aid a patient grappling with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This significant move follows the authorisation of MDMA and magic mushrooms for prescription in clinical trials since July 1 of the previous year. The prescription, issued last weekend in Melbourne due to restrictive rules in New South Wales, was for a female patient enduring chronic and treatment-resistant PTSD. Dr. Cassidy asserts that a single day of MDMA-assisted therapy achieved more than conventional treatments accomplish in a year. The Monarch Mental Health Group, building on a decade of outpatient mental health treatment experience, has been developing this groundbreaking therapy over the past year. Dr. Cassidy, shared on LinkedIn that this marks the first time any doctor globally has written a regular prescription for a psychedelic medicine. Despite the promising outcomes observed in clinical trials, the team faced hurdles due to regulatory constraints in New South Wales. Dr. Cassidy is now urging Premier Chris Minns to reform regulations, eliminating the need for patients to travel interstate for this innovative treatment. This achievement represents the initiation of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT) outside of research and compassionate use protocols. The treatment method, previously confined to research and compassionate cases, is a potential breakthrough for chronic PTSD sufferers. A 2021 research paper published in Nature Medicine reported extraordinary effects of MDMA-assisted therapy on patients with chronic PTSD, emphasizing its safety and tolerability. MDMA-assisted therapy provides a unique approach to treating PTSD, allowing therapists to discuss traumatic events with patients under the influence of MDMA. The drug’s impact, releasing ‘feel-good’ hormones, aims to create a conducive environment for patients to open up about their triggers. Dr. Cassidy extended gratitude to MMHG staff, including clinical psychologist Monica Schweickle, for their support in advancing the treatment past trial stages. As the treatment gains traction, Dr. Cassidy urges the NSW government to reconsider policies, facilitating easier access for patients within the state. He calls upon Premier Chris Minns and Health Minister Ryan Park to address the peculiar requirement of conducting the treatment in a hospital, unlike elsewhere globally, advocating for improved accessibility and a more streamlined approach to patient care in New South Wales.