Ecstasy and PTSD

Dear Dr. Guterson: Someone told me that ecstasy can help people with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Is this really true? A: Yes, based on a study performed in 2021, it does appear to be true. Ecstasy (also called ‘Molly’ or MDMA) increases both oxytocin and serotonin, and thereby the thought is that it can increase resilience. It also appears to target the area of the brain called the amygdala, which is thought to be the biological center for those afflicted with PTSD. Together with appropriate PTSD therapy and a living connection with our soul that knows no bounds, ecstasy may well be an extremely powerful treatment as we go forward. In my private practice, I have yet to use it - but I definitely am looking into it moreso based on this study.

When More Doesn't Mean Better

Dear Dr. Guterson - my doctor keeps increasing my Prozac and I’m still depressed, maybe even worse. Any ideas? A: I’ll start with the assumption that you truly have a clinical, biological based depression - and therefore medication is usually part of the treatment equation. Recent research has shown that higher dosages are not necessarily better. Some doctors keep going up and up but for most patients, if 40 mg maximum of Prozac doesn’t help, then it’s very unlikely that a higher dosage of Prozac will help. And this is true of other antidepressants, particularly those that work on serotonin. In fact, higher dosages can even backfire - possibly causing problems like low libido, apathy, and affecting sleep. So if Prozac isn’t working, then you probably need a different medication; or you need an additional antidepressant to augment the Prozac; or you have a biological issue (like thyroid illness); or life issues (e.g. addictions, relationships; lack of knowing yourself or your purpose); or you don’t need medication at all. But - remember - when all is said and done, swallowing a pill is not always a panacea. For most patients, treatment with pills only gets a person out of the pit of depression and onto a level playing field. Then once you are out of that pit, one finds oneself more capable to benefit from therapy and more able to fill every day with a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, and soul connection.

Extraordinary

Dear Dr. Guterson : I’m afraid to admit this but I have an addiction to pornography and am filled with guilt. Can you help me? A: You are brave to ask this question, brave to address your issue. I imagine you’ve talked to a therapist, maybe even more than one therapist.

Allow me to share a piece of writing that I read just this past week. It is a unique approach to your issue:

“There was a young man suffering from compulsions toward a deviant lifestyle. In utter despair, he penned a heart-wrenching letter to the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The Rebbe responded with a three-page correspondence. One point startled me. The Rebbe told this boy that he does not know why he must endure this profound challenge — it’s surely one of the mysteries of Divine providence. But then he added this: “Sometimes, a person possesses an incredible inner light that can change the world. There is no way for this person to discover that secret power within himself and call it his own, without being compelled to overcome a major life challenge.” Some might have looked at this young man and felt disdain; others might have felt empathy. But it was the Rebbe, the teacher of oneness, who saw his crisis as an opportunity. There was no tragedy here, there was a catalyst for this person to touch infinity. He was not a victim of an unfortunate condition; he was a Divine ambassador sent to places most people are not sent to, because his potential was of a different magnitude.” (from the pen of Rabbi YY Jacobson) I cannot think of a more positive or healthy way to address your question. Our most difficult challenges in life are always extraordinary opportunities to discover and realize our true potentials.