MDMA was first synthesized in 1912, and its therapeutic benefits were studied in the 1970s. MDMA also resulted in statistically significant improvements in social anxiety in adults with autism when compared to placebo. MDMA is currently in clinical trials as a treatment aid for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); for anxiety in terminally ill patients; and for social anxiety in autistic adults. Recently, the FDA gave MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD a Breakthrough Therapy designation.