Could MDMA help treat OCD? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT05783817
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether MDMA (the active ingredient in ecstasy) combined with talk therapy can safely reduce OCD symptoms. About 40 adults with OCD who have not improved with standard treatments will receive either MDMA or a comparison drug during therapy sessions. The goal is to see if this approach lowers symptom severity and is well tolerated.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. At least 18 years old 2. Fluent in speaking and reading the predominantly used or recognized language of the study site 3. Able to swallow pills 4. Meet the criteria for OCD diagnosis 5. YBOCS total score of at least 16 6. Not on psychotropic medications 1 month prior to study enrollment 7. Able to tolerate a treatment-free period 8. Able to tolerate study procedures 9. Failed at least 1 prior trial of standard first-line OCD treatment 10. Agree to the following lifestyle modifications: comply with requirements for fasting and refraining from certain medications prior to the Experimental Session, not enroll in any other interventional clinical trials during the duration of the study, and commit to medication dosing, therapy, and study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Pregnant or nursing, or able to become pregnant and are not practicing an effective means of birth control 2. Weigh less than 48 kilograms (kgs) 3. Any current problem which, in the opinion of the investigator or study physician, might interfere with participation
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Stanford University Medical Center
RECRUITINGPalo Alto, California, 94305, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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