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What is a better choice for psychedelic therapy? MDMA or psilocybin?
marcel 17 juni 2024 20:31
I remember know that I already wrote an article about choosing between MDMA and psilocybin in case of childhood trauma.
See also: MDMA or psilocybin (childhood trauma)
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26 januari 2026 13:16
Both MDMA and psilocybin are psychedelic substances that have shown promise in the treatment of for example depression and trauma, including childhood trauma.There are both psychedelics, but they have different effects and mechanisms of action.
MDMA is a synthetic drug that primarily affects the release and reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It is known for its empathogenic and euphoric effects, as well as its ability to reduce fear and anxiety. MDMA-assisted therapy involves taking a therapeutic dose of MDMA in a controlled setting, typically with the guidance of a trained therapist. The MDMA helps to create a sense of safety and openness, allowing individuals to explore and process traumatic experiences.
Psilocybin, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms or shrooms. Psilocybin acts primarily on serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perception, enhanced introspection, and a sense of interconnectedness. Psilocybin therapy involves taking a moderate to high dose of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting, again typically with the guidance of a trained therapist. The psychedelic experience induced by psilocybin can help gain new insights, process emotions, and reframe traumatic experiences.
The choice between MDMA and psilocybin therapy may depend on various factors, including individual preferences, medical history, and the specific goals of therapy. Maybe we can help you making a decision, but we need some information. By filling in the intake, we can help you out further:
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26 januari 2026 13:15
Choosing between MDMA and psilocybin is less about finding a "winner" and more about matching the tool to the specific emotional or psychological landscape you're navigating. Both are showing incredible promise in clinical trials, but they function very differently.
1. The Core Experience
While both can lead to profound insights, the "vibe" of the sessions is distinct.
2. Best Use Cases
Clinical research has tended to funnel these substances toward specific conditions based on how they affect the brain.
MDMA: Best for Trauma and Connection
MDMA temporarily dampens the amygdala (the brain's fear center). This allows people with PTSD or severe trauma to revisit painful memories without being overwhelmed by a "fight or flight" response.
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Target: PTSD, social anxiety in autistic adults, couples therapy.
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The Goal: Processing "stuck" emotions and building a bridge of empathy toward oneself.
Psilocybin: Best for Perspective and Depression
Psilocybin increases neuroplasticity and breaks down the "Default Mode Network" (the part of the brain responsible for repetitive loops of thought). It’s like shaking a snow globe, allowing new perspectives to settle.
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Target: Treatment-resistant depression, end-of-life anxiety, smoking cessation/addiction.
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The Goal: Gaining a "birds-eye view" of one's life and breaking out of rigid mental ruts.
3. Key Considerations
It is important to remember that in a therapeutic context, the "medicine" is only half of the equation; the therapeutic container can also do a lot. Also consider this:
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Physical Safety: MDMA is a stimulant and can increase heart rate/blood pressure, which requires screening for heart conditions. Psilocybin is physically very safe but can be more "psychologically challenging" during the peak.
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The "Come Down": MDMA can sometimes lead to a temporary dip in mood (the "Tuesday blues") a few days later as serotonin levels reset. Psilocybin often leaves users with an "afterglow" that can last weeks.