Problematic versus non-problematic ecstasy/MDMA use: the influence of drug usage patterns and pre-existing psychiatric factors
Kirstie Soar, John Turner, A. C. Parrott
Journal of Psychopharmacology March 30, 2006 DOI: 10.1177/0269881106063274 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 288 |
| Population | Recreational ecstasy users (problematic and non-problematic), polydrug controls, and illegal drug-naive controls |
| Topics | Anxiety MDMA |
| Keywords | Recreational drug use Psychopathology Hallucinogen Depression economics Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 65 |
| Key findings | Problematic ecstasy users exhibit significantly higher scores on somatization, depression, anxiety, and negative psychobiology than non-problematic ecstasy users, while non-problematic users do not differ from controls. |
Abstract
Recreational ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) use has been increasingly associated with a number of psychiatric symptoms and psychological problems. However, previous studies assessing possible psychopathological effects have not identified whether users consider their ecstasy use ‘problematic’ or not. In addition, research has generally failed to address the potential role of premorbid psychiatric status. This study aimed to assess whether premorbid psychiatric history and/or patterns of ecstasy use would be associated with the degree of selfreported problems attributable to ecstasy. Problematic ecstasy users (n 53) who had reported problems attributable to their ecstasy use were compared with non-problematic ecstasy users (n 62), polydrug controls (n 62) and illegal drug-naive controls (n 111) on a recreational drug use questionnaire; a questionnaire, which ascertained personal and family psychiatric histories, and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Problematic ecstasy users exhibited significantly higher scores on a number of dimensions of the BSI compared to illegal drugnaive and/or polydrug controls. Problematic ecstasy users also exhibited significantly elevated scores on somatization, depression, anxiety and negative psychobiology compared to non-problematic ecstasy users. BSI scores for the non-problematic ecstasy users did not differ from polydrug or illegal drug-naive controls. Problematic ecstasy users reported significantly higher levels of ecstasy use, including lifetime consumption, average dosage and binge consumption compared to non-problematic ecstasy users. Additionally, a greater number of problematic ecstasy users reported personal and family psychiatric histories compared to controls and non-problematic ecstasy users. This study demonstrates two distinct ecstasy using groups: non-problematic ecstasy users who are not showing signs of psychopathology and problematic ecstasy users who are showing evidence of a range of symptoms. This data therefore partially supports the link between ecstasy dosage and negative psychological sequalae, but highlights the importance of the need to consider ecstasy-related attributions, pre-existing mental health status and vulnerability.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on MDMA for anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users Ecstasy users who participated in a WWW study of recreational drug use | 2002 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 282 |
| Anxiety and depression symptoms in Brazilian sexual minority ecstasy and LSD users Young Brazilian adults who used ecstasy and/or LSD in the past 90 days and were not in... | 2017 | Cross-sectional study | n = 240 |
| Ecstasy (MDMA) and high prevalence psychiatric symptomatology: somatic anxiety symptoms are associated with polydrug, not ecstasy, use Ecstasy polydrug users, cannabis polydrug users, and legal drug users | 2010 | Observational cross-sectional study | n = 133 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 20
- MDMA alters emotional processing and facilitates positive social interaction Psychopharmacology April 12, 2014
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): current perspectives Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation November 1, 2013
- The Consequences of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Induced CYP2D6 Inhibition in Humans Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology September 12, 2008
- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): Serotonergic and dopaminergic mechanisms related to its use and misuse Journal of Neurochemistry March 12, 2021
- Development and Characterization of a Novel Animal Model of Intermittent MDMA (“Ecstasy”) Exposure during Adolescence Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences October 1, 2008
and 15 more in the library
Cites 10
- Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental July 12, 2002
- The content of ecstasy tablets: implications for the study of their long‐term effects Addiction December 1, 2002
- Is MDMA (‘Ecstasy’) Neurotoxic in Humans? An Overview of Evidence and of Methodological Problems in Research Neuropsychobiology 2000
- No Difference in Brain Activation During Cognitive Performance Between Ecstasy (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) Users and Control Subjects: A [H215O]-Positron Emission Tomography Study Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology February 1, 2001
- Psychiatric disorders in Ecstasy (MDMA) users: a literature review focusing on personal predisposition and drug history Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental December 1, 2001
and 5 more in the library