Ecstasy may help boost therapy success in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, say US researchers.
A small trial in 20 patients suggests use of the drug is safe and seems to improve the effects of psychotherapy.
The US team has now gained approval for a larger study in military veterans, but stresses more research is needed to confirm the finding.
A UK expert said it was difficult to draw any conclusions from such a small study and urged caution.
It is thought the clubbing drug reduces fear enabling patients to get more out of their therapy sessions.
Writing in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, the team said patients were selected on strict criteria - they had to have had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for many years and have failed with conventional treatments.
BBC News
