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Persistent Psychosis due to Single Dose of Ecstasy

Sanya Virani, Gulzar N. Daya, Navjot Brainch, Vijaya Padma Kotapati, Deval Zaveri, Saeed Ahmed

Cureus July 27, 2018 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3058 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Case study Case report Peer reviewed
Sample size 1
Population A patient who used ecstasy (MDMA) recreationally
Topics MDMA
Citations 11
Key findings The authors report that a patient developed persistent delusions after a single recreational dose of MDMA, requiring emergency hospitalization for aggressive behavior and self-harm risk. They argue this case, alongside a few other documented cases, indicates that neuropsychiatric symptoms may not be readily reversible after MDMA cessation and highlights gaps in research on chronic MDMA effects.

Abstract

Ecstasy, a popular drug among the younger generation, the primary psychoactive component of which is 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is rarely known to have acute psychiatric effects and when it does, it is usually short term. We describe a patient who presented to the emergency room in a psychotic state after using ecstasy recreationally. Given his aggressive behavior in the community and risk for self-harm, he was emergently hospitalized to ensure safety. He developed persistent psychotic symptoms (delusions) after one dose of recreational MDMA and the team had the opportunity to observe, monitor, and treat his psychosis. This case along with few other documented cases highlights the gaps in research about the chronic, persistent effects and long-term consequences of MDMA. It also suggests that neuropsychiatric symptoms may not be readily reversible after cessation of use. There is an emphasis on the need for physicians to inquire about MDMA use and include it in toxicology screenings and as a potential differential diagnosis.

Comparable studies

Other case reports and case series on MDMA, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA Individuals whose deaths were associated with MDMA or MDEA use 1987 Case series n = 5
Pathology of deaths associated with "ecstasy" and "eve" misuse. Young white men aged 20 to 25 who died after using ring-substituted amphetamines (MDMA... 1996 Case series n = 7
'Eve' and 'Ecstasy' Individuals who died after using MDMA or MDEA 1987 Case series n = 5
A Method of Conducting Therapeutic Sessions with MDMA Clients with clear therapeutic purpose, excluding those with serious functional... 1998 Case study n = 2
Diversity of Psychopathology Associated with use of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’) Psychiatric patients presenting between 1990 and 1992 whose symptoms developed in the... 1994 Case series n = 13

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