Prospective associations between meth/amphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy) use and depressive symptoms in secondary school students
Frédéric N. Brière, Jean‐sébastien Fallu, Michel Janosz, Linda S. Pagani
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health April 19, 2012 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2011-200706 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Longitudinal study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3,880 |
| Population | Adolescents from secondary schools in disadvantaged areas of Quebec, Canada |
| Duration | 1-year follow-up (grade 10 to grade 11) |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Meth- Depression economics Methamphetamine Odds ratio Logistic regression Longitudinal study Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key findings | Use of meth/amphetamine and MDMA in grade 10 independently increased the odds of elevated depressive symptoms in grade 11, with concurrent use showing the highest risk. |
Abstract
Background: Research has raised significant concern regarding the affective consequences of synthetic drug use. However, little evidence from well-controlled longitudinal studies exists on these consequences. The aim of this study was to determine whether use of meth/amphetamine (speed) and ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is independently predictive of subsequent depressive symptoms in adolescents.
Methods: A sample of 3880 adolescents from secondary schools in disadvantaged areas of Quebec, Canada, were followed over time (2003–2008). Logistic regression was used to test the association between meth/amphetamine and MDMA use in grade 10 (ages 15–16 years) and elevated depressive symptoms on an abridged Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale in grade 11, controlling for pre-existing individual and contextual characteristics.
Results: After adjustment, both MDMA use (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.6) and meth/amphetamine use (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3) in grade 10 significantly increased the odds of elevated depressive symptoms in grade 11. These relationships did not vary by gender or pre-existing depressive symptoms. Increased risk was particularly observed in concurrent usage (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.9).
Conclusions: Adolescent use of meth/amphetamine and MDMA (particularly concurrent use) is independently associated with subsequent depressive symptoms. Further enquiry must determine whether these associations reflect drug-induced neurotoxicity and whether adolescence is a period of increased vulnerability to the hazards of synthetic drug exposure.