Psychedelic Treatment for Trauma-Related Psychological and Cognitive Impairment Among US Special Operations Forces Veterans.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
retrospective uncontrolled survey
PubMed 32704581 · doi:10.1177/2470547020939564
What was done
Researchers conducted a retrospective survey of 51 US Special Operations Forces veterans (78% response rate out of 65 eligible; mean age 40; 96% male; 92% White; 96% OEF/OIF service) who completed an ibogaine and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) clinical program in Mexico between 2017 and 2019. The survey evaluated retrospective self-reports of mental health and cognitive functioning for the 30 days before and 30 days after treatment.
What was found
Participants reported statistically significant reductions in retrospective assessments of PTSD (p < .001, d = -3.6), depression (p < .001, d = -3.7), anxiety (p < .001, d = -3.1), cognitive impairment (p < .001, d = -2.8), and suicidal ideation (p < .001, d = -1.9). Retrospective psychological flexibility increased significantly (p < .001, d = 2.9) and was strongly correlated with symptom reductions (r = -0.61 to -0.75, p < .001). Additionally, a large majority rated the experience as one of the top five most personally meaningful (84%), spiritually significant (88%), and psychologically insightful (86%) of their lives.
Why it matters
This study provides preliminary observational data suggesting combined ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT may improve complex trauma-related psychological and cognitive symptoms in military veterans, highlighting the need for prospective, controlled trials.
Limits
The study is limited by its retrospective self-report survey design, which is highly susceptible to recall bias and demand characteristics. It lacked a control group, randomization, blinding, and objective cognitive testing, and evaluated a narrow demographic (predominantly White male special operations veterans).
Cited by
- partial Medically supervised use of ibogaine has been shown to successfully treat addiction and PTSD in military veterans.