Ibogaine therapy shows promise for veterans with PTSD

Veterans experience lasting PTSD relief from ibogaine therapy

A study by Stanford Medicine has found that ibogaine therapy offers sustained relief from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for veterans, with 84% maintaining remission one year after treatment. This research highlights ibogaine's potential as a therapeutic option for PTSD, depression, and anxiety among veterans.

What the study found

The study, published in Translational Psychiatry on August 12, followed 30 special forces veterans who traveled to Mexico for ibogaine therapy. Of the 23 veterans diagnosed with PTSD before treatment, 19 achieved remission within days. The therapy involved oral ibogaine administration and magnesium infusions to mitigate heart-related risks. One month post-treatment, PTSD symptoms improved by 88%, depression by 87%, and anxiety by 81% on average. The one-year follow-up showed that 84% of those in remission sustained it for PTSD, 66% for depression, and 61% for anxiety.

Observational study limitations

The study was observational, meaning it did not control for additional interventions or psychedelic use after the first month. Over the following 11 months, 12 participants received therapy or counseling, three took psychotropic medications, and 23 used other psychedelics. Despite these variables, the researchers noted long-lasting improvements, suggesting ibogaine's potential for durable effects.

Regulatory context

Ibogaine remains a Schedule I drug in the U.S., requiring veterans to seek treatment in countries like Mexico where it is legal. Interest in ibogaine therapy has grown, partly due to promising results from this study and advocacy by groups like Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions. In April, an executive order aimed to expedite research and FDA approval of psychedelic drugs for mental illnesses, citing the high suicide rate among veterans.

Why it matters

The study provides the most extensive evidence to date of ibogaine's long-term effects on PTSD, depression, and anxiety. With more than 6,000 veterans dying by suicide annually, effective treatments are urgently needed. The findings could pave the way for further research and potential regulatory changes, offering hope for veterans and others suffering from severe mental health issues.

The research received funding from various sources, including Steve and Genevieve Jurvetson, the Effie and Wofford Cain Foundation, and Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions.