100&Change
Transformative Healing for Veterans and First Responders with MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Veterans and first responders often suffer from severe TR-PTSD, impacting their mental health, family relationships, and community interactions. Traditional therapies frequently fail, leaving many without effective solutions. Our project addresses this by implementing and subsidizing MDMA-PAT, specifically tailored for veterans and first responders. This innovative treatment has shown significant success in reducing PTSD symptoms in clinical trials and expanded access programs globally, offering relief for those unresponsive to conventional treatments.
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We have partnered with industry leaders in MDMA-PAT, influenced legal changes allowing Australian psychiatrists to prescribe MDMA, and secured initial funding. Early patient enrolment has yielded promising outcomes.
Our primary goal is to provide accessible, effective mental health care that fosters deep healing. By reducing financial barriers, we aim to improve the lives of patients, their families, and their communities. Outcomes include significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, enhanced quality of life, and strengthened family and community dynamics.
Our project aspires to restore hope and functionality to those who have served, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve. This scalable, evidence-based approach has the potential to become a model for future mental health treatments.
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Veterans experience up to 37.3% PTSD rates, compared to 5.6% in the general population
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On average Veterans have a 3x higher suicide rate, compared to the general population
Innovative Treatment Options
In February 2023 the TGA approved Mind Medicine Australia’s application to reschedule psilocybin and MDMA from Schedule 9 (prohibited substances) to Schedule 8 (controlled medicines) of the Poisons Standard. With this rescheduling, psychiatrists who are given approval from the TGA are now able to prescribe psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression and MDMA for PTSD. These changes came into effect July 1st, 2023.
The decision recognises the enormous number of Australians who lodged their submissions in support and the fact that treatment resistant patients aren’t benefitting from currently available treatments. Australia can be very proud of the fact that we are the first nation in the World to reschedule these medicines for medical purposes and Australia is now an innovative leader in the treatment of mental illness.
“This marks the beginning of a major shift in our mental healthcare system. The many Australians who are suffering with mental illness are deeply grateful to the TGA for its leadership.”
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Peter Hunt AM, Chair of Mind Medicine Australia
The Challenge
Veterans and first responders often experience severe TR-PTSD, characterised by persistent and debilitating symptoms. This disorder stems from traumatic event exposure in the line of duty, leaving long-lasting psychological scars. The effects extend beyond the individuals, severely impacting their families and communities as well. The challenge is significant; traditional treatments frequently fail to provide relief for many of these individuals. This gap in treatment options leaves veterans and first responders suffering without hope of recovery. The lack of successful interventions contributes to a cycle of distress, strained family relationships, and decreased community participation, further isolating these individuals.
This challenge exists because current mental health care systems are not equipped to address the unique severe nature of PTSD experienced by veterans and first responders. The high cost of innovative treatments and limited availability of specialised therapies also contribute to the problem. Additionally, there is often a stigma associated with seeking mental health care, particularly among these populations, which can deter individuals from pursuing necessary treatment.
To bring about the required change, it is crucial to provide accessible and effective treatments. Increasing awareness and reducing stigma around mental health care are also vital steps. Led by our organisation, policymakers, mental health professionals, and community leaders have recognised the significant efficacy of MDMA-PAT, collaborating to create legalised and regulatory environments in Australia. However, treatment availability remains limited and expensive.
100&Change
Healing a critical problem of our time
