Why do we find ourselves constantly captivated by the allure of the next big thing, especially when proven solutions that can offer immediate relief are readily available? This fascination with novel therapies like MDMA-assisted treatment for PTSD demands a deeper reflection on our priorities and approach to mental health care, especially when people are suffering right now.
In our eagerness for innovation, there’s a risk that we ignore existing effective, readily-available treatments. While the development of new pharmacological treatments (a class called psychedelics) like MDMA or ketamine suggest potential, they also present challenges, including lengthy approval processes, significant side effects, and complicated delivery protocols to minimize risk. These delay the delivery of needed treatments to those suffering now.
Why do we emphasize awareness of future treatment possibilities but disregard the effective solutions that exist today? This question is not just rhetorical but highlights a critical gap in our treatment approach—a gap where immediacy and accessibility should reside. We need to balance our excitement for future breakthroughs with a commitment to administering treatments that are demonstrated to be effective and available today.
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Current PTSD treatments, such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, are effective in addressing the needs of some sufferers when care can be accessed, but for many Americans, this type of care is not accessible. To fill this gap, new therapeutic approaches combining technology and human support with validated protocols, such as those using biofeedback and breathing techniques, are effective and are administered at home, circumventing the need for the intensive supervision and the infrastructure required for newer pharmacological treatments. These treatments offer practical and immediate solutions for those in need.
A truly forward-thinking approach to mental health care balances the excitement of innovation with the practicality of existing solutions. By embracing both, we ensure immediate relief for sufferers while continuing to develop potentially transformative treatments. We must not only champion the potential of novel treatments but also advocate for broadening access to existing treatments. It is crucial that those suffering from PTSD today can access the help they need without unnecessary delay.
We cannot let individuals and their families continue to suffer when effective treatments are within our reach. Addressing the immediate needs of PTSD sufferers with available, clinically validated treatments is not just a matter of healthcare innovation — it is a moral imperative. Let us focus on delivering real relief today while still paving the way for tomorrow’s advancements.
Photo: Pornpak Khunatorn/Getty Images
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Joseph Perekupka is the CEO of Freespira, the only company to offer a medication-free, FDA-cleared digital therapeutic treatment proven to reduce or eliminate symptoms of panic disorder, panic attacks and PTSD in 28 days. Joe is a proven healthcare leader with over 25 years of commercial experience in multiple leadership and functional medical device and digital health roles. He plays an active role with organizations such as the Digital Therapeutics Alliance and DTx societies, where he maintains co-chair roles that are focused on propelling the DTx industry growth, and is passionate about creating equitable access to care for mental health patients nationwide.
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