Could ecstasy help treat bulimia? early trial begins
NCT ID NCT07542145
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-stage study tests whether MDMA (the active ingredient in ecstasy) combined with talk therapy can help people with bulimia nervosa. Forty adults will be assigned to one of three groups: MDMA with general therapy, MDMA with bulimia-specific therapy, or standard treatment alone. The goal is to see if the drug helps reduce binge eating episodes by making therapy more effective.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for bulimia nervosa that combines therapy with a drug to reduce fear and increase openness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 40 people, so results may not apply widely. MDMA can cause side effects like increased heart rate, anxiety, or confusion, and the therapy is intensive and not yet proven effective.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Department of Psychiatry, Eating and Weight Disorders Program
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10028, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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