Acute, sub‐acute and long‐term subjective consequences of ‘ecstasy’ (MDMA) consumption in 430 regular users
Suzanne L. Verheyden, John A. Henry, H. Valerie Curran
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental October 1, 2003 DOI: 10.1002/hup.529 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 466 |
| Population | Regular MDMA users |
| Intervention | MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Citations | 171 |
| Key findings | MDMA use is associated with both positive and negative psychological effects, including frequent low mood and impaired concentration between sessions, and long-term tolerance, depression, and impaired concentration. |
Abstract
Abstract This study examined the reported psychological effects of different patterns of MDMA use in men and women, and how they are modified by use of other psychoactive substances. A semi‐structured interview was conducted with 466 regular MDMA users, exploring the perceived acute, sub‐acute and long‐term subjective effects of this drug. Factor analysis established three main categories of acute effects of MDMA: (i) positive and (ii) negative effects on mental health, and (iii) physical effects. In terms of subacute effects, 83% of participants reported experiencing low mood and 80% reported impaired concentration between ecstasy‐taking sessions. Factors affecting these effects included age, gender, extent of MDMA use and concomitant use of cocaine or amphetamine. The long‐term effects most frequently reported included the development of tolerance to MDMA (59%), impaired ability to concentrate (38%), depression (37%) and ‘feeling more open towards people’ (31%). In terms of what might persuade users to stop using MDMA, their most prominent concern was the drug's long‐term effects on mental health. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.