Ecstasy the solution for soldiers with PTSD, experts say

MDMA could help to dramatically reduce the number of suicides among veterans. The Victorian Government is being urged to take the first step. Eddie Russell reports.

The Victorian Government is being urged to legalise the use of ecstasy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in returned soldiers.

Concerns have been raised over the mental health care of Australian Defence Force veterans that has led to an high rates of suicide.

Reason Party leader Fiona Patten raised the issue in state parliament last month, and said this week the matter needed to be addressed immediately.

Thirty-five clinical psychiatrists in Australia are now seeking to legally use MDMA, also known as ecstasy, for psychotherapy sessions, according to Ms Patten.

“We know that the levels of suicide in our returned servicemen are completely connected to PTSD and other severe mental health issues,” she said.

Read the full article on The Swin Standard’s website.