Psychedelics May Help Treat PTSD • CEFR B1 News for English Learners
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Scientists Discover How Psychedelics May Rewire the Brain to Treat PTSD
February 2026 — New research shows that psychedelic drugs like MDMA and psilocybin might help people recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Scientists are finally beginning to understand exactly how these treatments work in the brain.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD affects more than 12 million Americans every year. It occurs when someone experiences a traumatic event, such as war, violence, or a serious accident. People with PTSD often experience:
- Constant flashbacks to the traumatic event
- Nightmares and trouble sleeping
- Feeling that danger is always present
- Negative thoughts about themselves and the world
Traditional treatments, including antidepressant medications and therapy, only help about 20-30% of patients fully recover.
How Trauma Changes the Brain
When someone experiences trauma, their brain’s “fear center” (called the amygdala) becomes overactive. It keeps signaling danger even when the person is safe. At the same time, the parts of the brain that should calm down the fear response become weaker.
“People can be very stuck in black-and-white thinking, such as ‘I’m a bad person’ or ‘the world is dangerous,’” explained Dr. Lynnette Averill, a clinical research psychologist.
A New Hope
Clinical trials have shown impressive results. In one study, 67% of patients who received MDMA-assisted therapy no longer met the criteria for PTSD after treatment. This compares to only 32% in the group that received a placebo.
These psychedelic drugs appear to help the brain become more flexible again. They allow patients to revisit traumatic memories without being overwhelmed by fear. With the help of therapists, patients can process their experiences and develop new, healthier ways of thinking.
“There’s potential for people to feel that the needle has moved in hours,” said Dr. Averill. “And that is quite literally lifesaving.”
Vocabulary Help 📚
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| rewire | to change the connections in the brain |
| traumatic | very upsetting and causing lasting psychological damage |
| flashback | a sudden, vivid memory of a past event |
| clinical trial | a test of new medicine on people |
| placebo | a fake treatment used in experiments |
Grammar Focus 🎯
Present Perfect for Recent Discoveries: - “Clinical trials have shown impressive results.” - “Scientists are finally beginning to understand.”
Relative Clauses: - “The brain’s fear center, which is called the amygdala, becomes overactive.” - “People who received MDMA therapy showed improvement.”
Source: Live Science