David M. Magann, P.A. Reports on VA’s Innovative Approach to PTSD with Psychedelic Research

Tampa, Florida – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that it plans to fund research into the use of psychedelic substances to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While several methods currently exist to treat PTSD, the use of psychedelic medications is new territory. One of the most commonly cited substances for further research is midomafetamine (MDMA), also known as “ecstasy” or “molly.” Early efforts to use MDMA in PTSD treatment have shown benefits for some veterans.

MDMA use is currently not legal in the United States. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to approve MDMA for PTSD treatment in June 2024, saying that more testing is needed. Pharmaceutical company Lykos, which has been performing research on MDMA for PTSD, agreed that additional clinical trials are necessary.

Currently, only sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) have FDA approval for use in treating PTSD. Research supports the use of certain related medications, including fluoxetine (Prozac) and venlafaxine (Effexor). However, these medications are only “conditionally recommended” by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The APA recommends non-medication therapies as a first line of treatment for PTSD.

Because military service includes the risk of exposure to potentially traumatic events, the rate of PTSD is slightly higher in veterans than in civilians. The VA estimates that about seven percent of veterans experience PTSD in their lifetimes, compared to 6 percent of the general population. The rate is higher for veterans who deployed or those who served in combat zones. Other factors, like military occupation, geographic location, and the type of enemy faced can also contribute to a higher PTSD risk.

PTSD is linked to several health conditions, including an early risk of mortality. For veterans living with PTSD, research into new therapies is important – and so is access to the benefits these veterans need today.

While the VA does provide benefits to veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, navigating the system to access those benefits can be challenging. Tampa attorney David W. Magann specializes in helping veterans access the disability benefits they need for PTSD, Gulf War Syndrome, and other conditions.

Attorney David Magann is a Marine Corps Veteran with a Criminology Degree from The University of South Florida and a Law Degree from The University of Miami. He will be your advocate working to get the benefits you have earned under the Department of Veterans Affairs. David Magann is also a social security and disability (SSI) lawyer. If you need a veteran’s benefits lawyer or social security attorney, contact David W. Magann, PA at 1.855.418.9354.

David W. Magann, PA
156 West Robertson Street
Brandon, FL 33511
1.855.418.9354
https://tampaveteranslawyer.com/
Press Contact : David Magann

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